Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) is believed to be a major contributor to viral myocarditis since virus-associated apoptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of experimental myocarditis. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antiviral activities of Phyllaemblicin B, the main ellagitannin compound isolated from Phyllanthus emblica, a Chinese herb medicine, against CVB3. Herein we report that Phyllaemblicin B inhibited CVB3-mediated cytopathic effects on HeLa cells with an IC(50) value of 7.75+/-0.15microg/mL. In an in vivo assay, treatment with 12mgkg(-1)d(-1) Phyllaemblicin B reduced cardiac CVB3 titers, decreased the activities of LDH and CK in murine serum, and alleviated pathological damages of cardiac muscle in myocarditic mice. Moreover, Phyllaemblicin B clearly inhibited CVB3-associated apoptosis effects both in vitro and in vivo. These results show that Phyllaemblicin B exerts significant antiviral activities against CVB3. Therefore, Phyllaemblicin B may represent a potential therapeutic agent for viral myocarditis.