Hepatoprotective Effects of Syzygium aromaticum Ethanolic Extract against Mercury Chloride Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Background: Mercury chloride is a highly toxic inorganic compound known to induce oxidative stress and severe hepatic damage. Natural plant products with antioxidant properties are increasingly investigated as protective agents against heavy metal toxicity. Aim: This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum in male Wistar rats exposed to mercury chloride. Methodology: Twenty-five rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5). Group A served as the control and was given distilled water and food only. Group B received mercury chloride (7.5 mg/kg), Group C received Syzygium aromaticum extract (400 mg/kg), while Groups D and E received mercury chloride followed by Syzygium aromaticum extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, for six weeks. Liver function enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and histological architecture were evaluated. Results: The results showed that mercury chloride significantly elevated liver enzymes and caused marked hepatic degeneration. Treatment with Syzygium aromaticum extract resulted in dose-dependent reductions in liver enzyme profiles and preservation of hepatic histoarchitecture. Histological analysis revealed mild inflammatory changes in treated groups compared to severe degeneration in the mercury chloride-only rats. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum exerts significant hepatoprotective effects against mercury chloride-induced liver toxicity and may represent a promising natural therapeutic agent.