Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) extract in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

•Basil extract possess high antioxidant in vitro activity.•Extract lowered lipid peroxidation and potentiated the activity of antioxidant enzymes.•Significant hepatoprotective potential was observed of aqueous basil extract.•Morphometric analysis provides evidence of hepatoprotective effects of basil extract.