HA-ADT promoted apoptosis by suppressing the expressions of phospho (p)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), p‐glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK-3β), p‐β‐catenin, and also inhibited autophagy via the downregulation of the protein levels of p‐Smad2, p‐Smad3, and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in human HCC cells. This evidence concerns the gene SMAD2 and hepatocellular carcinoma.