AIM: To evaluate anti cataract effect of phyllanthus niruri (PN) both in vitro and in vivo galactose induced cataract.METHODS: Aqueous extract of PN was evaluated against galactose-induced cataract both in vitro and in vivo. Galactosaemic cataract was induced in rats by feeding 300g/L galactose diet. PN was administered orally at three-dose levels 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of body weight. Rat lenses were subjected to osmotic stress in vitro by incorporating galactose (30mmol/L) in the culture medium. The effect of PN (720 and 880μg/mL) on the glutathione (GSH) and polyols levels was studied.RESULTS: PN significantly delayed the onset and progression of cataract in vivo. In addition to the delay in reaching various stages of development of cataract, stage IV did not develop with lower doses till the completion of experimental period. Lenses treated with PN 880μg/mL concentration showed higher levels of GSH and decreased levels of polyols in vitro. In vivo, 75mg/kg significantly delayed the onset and progression of cataract as compared to control.CONCLUSION: PN delayed the process of cataracto-genesis in the experimental models. However, further study is required to extrapolate the use in human beings for the prevention of cataract.