Methyl eugenol attenuates liver ischemia reperfusion injury via activating PI3K/Akt signaling

•ME can alleviate liver ischemia reperfusion injury.•ME can activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thus playing an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic role.•LY294002 inhibits the protective effect of ME on liver ischemia reperfusion injury.•The pharmacological effects of ME are dose-dependent. Low doses of ME can reduce LIRI, while high doses can aggravate the damage.