Effects of aqueous aloe vera gel extract on acetaminophen-induced liver damage: a histomorphological, hematological and biochemical study in Albino rats

Abstract Background Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of drug-induced acute liver damage, underscoring the urgent need for accessible hepatoprotective therapies. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Aqueous Aloe vera gel extract on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in adult male Albino Wistar rats. Methodology Liver Damage was induced in Albino Wistar rats by oral administration of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg). The rats were divided into six groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (silymarin 50 mg/kg), and three treatment groups receiving Aloe vera gel extract at doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg. Body and liver weight, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters and liver histology were assessed after 7 days of treatment. Results Treatment with Aloe vera gel extract demonstrated dose-dependent hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with the 1000 mg/kg dose exhibiting efficacy comparable to silymarin. Higher doses (1000 mg/kg) significantly increase both the body weight and weight of the liver ( p  = 0.0265 and p  = 0.0061); decreased the white blood cell count ( p  = 0.0034) and also improved hematological parameters. The extract at 1000 mg/kg also enhanced antioxidant status by reducing MDA levels ( p  < 0.0001) while increasing SOD ( p  < 0.0001) and catalase activities. Histological examination also showed that higher doses of the aqueous Aloe vera gel extract restored liver histoarchitecture, with clearly defined nuclei and cell borders. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the aqueous Aloe vera gel extract mitigates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative mechanisms. At 1000 mg/kg, it restored hepatic histoarchitecture, haematological homeostasis, normalized liver function biomarkers, and suppressed oxidative stress, rivalling silymarin in efficacy. The observed improvements in liver histology, haematological parameters, and antioxidant biomarkers indicate Aloe vera ’s therapeutic potential, likely mediated through its bioactive constituents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is recommended to understand its mechanism of action, long-term and potential clinical applications.