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Mercury, a pervasive environmental contaminant, poses significant health risks due to its toxic effects on various organs, particularly the liver. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has been employed for centuries as food preservative and medicine because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous extracts of clove on the histo-architecture of mercury chloride-induced liver damage in adult Wistar rats. Thirty-six (36) adult Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into six(6) groups, with six(6) rats in each cage. Group A served as control; Group B rats were administered 4 mg/kg of Hgcl2; Group C rats were administered 250 mg/kg of aqueous extracts clove (syzygium aromaticum); Group D rats were administered 500 mg/kg of aqueous extracts of clove (Syzygium aromaticum); Group E was administered 250 mg/kg aqueous extracts of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and 4mg/kg of mercury chloride and Group F was administered 500 mg/kg of aqueous extracts of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and 4 mg/kg of mercury chloride. After a 28-day administration period, the animals were sacrificed and the tissue harvested. Liver enzyme activity as well as histological assessments were carried out. Results showed that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body and organ weight as well as a significant increase (p<0.05) in liver enzymes in rats treated with mercury chloride only when compared to control. However, on pretreatment with clove, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in body and organ weight as well as a significant decrease (p<0.05) in liver enzymes. Histological assessment revealed that mercury chloride caused liver damage which was characterized by necrosis, inflammation, and impaired blood flow. However, mercury chloride exposed rats pre-treated with clove extract showed improved histo-architecture which was characterized by relatively normal histology. In conclusion, these findings suggest that clove aqueous extract possesses protective properties against mercury-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.
