Embelia ribes Burm.f. commonly known as false black pepper , is being used since the ancient times, in the form of the drug 'Vidanga'. It has been attributed to contain numerous medicinal properties and is of very high commercial value. The root, berries and leaves of E.ribes is used in herbal formulas. It contains the benzoquinone compound embelin (2, 5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-2, 5-cyclohexadiene-1, 4-benzo-quinone) which has been studied for its various medicinal activities such as antitumor, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antifungal and antifertility. This review is a comprehensive overview about the existing pharmacology of E.ribes, helping to fuel further research in the various unexplored activities that are attributable to this plant.