OBJECTIVES: The ethanolic extract of dried fruits of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. was investigated for its gastroprotective effects in the patients with gastric ulcers. METHODS:  Finely ground dried fruit weighing 500g was soaked in one litre of absolute alcohol for 24 hrs at room temperature with occasional shaking. Filtrate was evaporated on rotary evaporator under reduced pressure at 40oC to a thick, semi-solid mass. Phytochemical analysis was carried out for alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, flavanoids and tannins. For in-vivo activity, thirty patients with known gastric ulcers were randomly divided into three groups naming test, positive control and negative control group, respectively. 500 mg of dried residue of Phyllanthus emblica in three divided doses, i.e. 166.6 mg in each capsule containing the sufficient amount of lactose to make the bulk of capsule up to 500 mg was administered to test group for 14 days. The same coloured capsules filled with lactose 500 mg were given to the patients of negative control group (placebo group) for 14 days. Similarly, Omeprazole 40 mg/day was given to the patients of positive control group for same time duration. Both questionnaire and endoscopic investigation based procedures were adopted to investigate the effects in three groups. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening of plant confirmed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, sterols, terpenes, flavanoids and tannins. Patients in test group reported significant reduction (p<0.05) in intensity and duration of stomach pain especially, at night when compared with negative control group. Positive control group, however, reported absolute reduction in complains associated with gastric ulcer. Endoscopic examination by expert gastroenterologist reported significant healing of ulceration in positive control and test group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicated that the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus emblica   fruits have gastroprotective effects in diseased humans. These effects can be further enhanced by further fractionation of active constitutes of plant material.