Evaluation of the Activity of Phyllanthus emblica L. Extract in Stress-Induced Gastric Ulcer: A Comprehensive Review

• Ayush Salvi

  Bhupal Nobles' College of pharmacy

  Author

• Abhishek Joshi

  Author

• Jenam Gandhi

  Author

• Shreya Sharma

  Author

• Sakshi Rajput

  Author

• Dr. Sidhhraj Singh Sisodia

  Author

Stress-induced gastric ulceration represents a significant clinical challenge affecting critically ill patients, with mortality rates reaching 10-15% in severe cases. Phyllanthus emblica L. (syn. Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), commonly known as Indian Gooseberry or "Amla," has been documented in Ayurvedic medicine (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita) for treating parinama shoola (duodenal ulcer) and amlapitta (gastritis) through its rasayana (rejuvenative) and pittashamaka (pitta-pacifying) properties. This review examines the phytochemical profile, pharmacological mechanisms, and experimental evidence supporting P. emblica fruit extract in stress-induced gastric ulcer models. The ethanolic extract contains standardized levels of gallic acid (15-25 mg/g), ellagic acid (8-12 mg/g), emblicanin A & B, and vitamin C (600-700 mg/100g), exhibiting 85-95% DPPH radical scavenging activity. Preclinical studies demonstrate dose-dependent gastroprotection (ED₅₀ 200-400 mg/kg) through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation, NF-κB p65 suppression, HSP-70 upregulation, mucin secretion enhancement (95% increase), and HPA axis modulation (35-40% corticosterone reduction). Comparative efficacy studies show equivalent protection to ranitidine (50 mg/kg) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg) in restraint cold stress and water immersion restraint stress models, with superior safety profile (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg, therapeutic index >10). This review synthesizes current evidence supporting P. emblica as a multi-targeted natural alternative to conventional proton pump inhibitors for stress-related gastric mucosal injury.

Copyright (c) 2026 Ayush Salvi, Abhishek Joshi, Jenam Gandhi, Shreya Sharma, Sakshi Rajput, Dr. Sidhhraj Singh Sisodia (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.