TGFB1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Additionally, HGD increased MMP1 protein level while decreasing TIMP1 protein level and the p-Smad3 to Smad3 ratio.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Findings suggest that HGD demonstrated a remarkable liver-protective effect, potentially linked to halting liver fibrosis progression by maintaining the equilibrium between MMP1 and TIMP1, modulating TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway, suppressing HSC activation, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory characteristics.