Emblica officinalis Gaertn (synonym Phyllanthus emblica Linn, Euphorbiaceae, E. officinalis) or Indian gooseberry, commonly known as, Amla, in Ayurveda, is unarguably the most important medicinal plant for prevention and treatment of various ailments. The objective of this study was to investigate pharmacognostical, phytochemical features and anxiolytic activity of alcoholic extracts of E. officinalis fruits. The different pharmacognostical parameters were evaluated as per standard protocols with some modifications. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents was determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. The elevated plus maze test (EPMT), light and dark test (L and DT) and open field test (OFT) were used to assess the anxiolytic activity of the alcoholic extract of E. officinalis fruits in mice. The efficacy of extract (250, 500, 750mg/kg) was compared with standard anxiolytic drugs diazepam (1mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis of alcoholic extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins and phenolics, amino acids and proteins, flavonoids, glycosides, fixedoilsandfats. The alcoholic extract of E. officinalis(250, 500, 750mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased the percentage of time spent and number of entries in open arm in EPMT. In L and DT, the extract produced significant increase in time spent, number of crossing and decrease in the duration of immobility in light box. In OFT, the extract showed significant increase in number of rearings, ambulation and decrease self grooming and fecal dropping, all of which are demonstrations of exploratory behavior. The results of the present study suggest that an alcoholic extract of E. officinalis may possess anxiolytic activity and provide a scientific evidence for its traditional claim.