Abstract Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most hazardous known mycotoxins and is associated with oxidative stress, severe tissue damage, and impaired liver function, thereby increasing the risk of liver diseases. On the other hand, natural antioxidant compounds such as p-coumaric acid, due to their potential protective properties, may play an effective role in reducing the toxicity of this toxin. In this experimental study, 28 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, aflatoxin-treated, aflatoxin plus p-coumaric acid–treated, and p-coumaric acid–treated groups. The treatments were administered for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for the assessment of liver enzymes, and liver tissue samples were used for histopathological examinations and the measurement of oxidative stress indices, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes. The results showed that aflatoxin administration caused severe histological alterations, including disorganization of hepatic cords, cellular swelling, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in liver tissue, along with a significant increase in liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation index and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity. In contrast, the simultaneous administration of p-coumaric acid significantly reduced MDA levels and liver enzyme activities and partially improved antioxidant enzyme activity. Histopathological findings also indicated a reduction in the severity of tissue lesions in this group compared with the aflatoxin-treated group. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that p-coumaric acid, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can exert a considerable protective effect against aflatoxin-induced liver damage and may be considered a potential natural compound for the prevention or attenuation of aflatoxin toxicity.
