Saffron and

backgroundLiver fibrosis is a global health issue that lacks effective treatments. Tibetan medicine, with a long history, has accumulated rich experience in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. The saffron (Saf) and

aimTo investigate the efficacy of the Saf-Cal b therapy in treating liver fibrosis and explored its underlying mechanism.

methodsWe initially established a carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrosis model to assess Saf-Cal b's anti-fibrotic effects. Subsequently, we conducted network pharmacology analysis to identify the potential therapeutic targets and pathways of Saf-Cal b in liver fibrosis intervention. Finally, we performed

resultsSaf-Cal b combination therapy exerted superior effects in ameliorating liver fibrosis in model rats compared with Saf or Cal b monotherapy. Through network pharmacology prediction, key targets of the combination were identified. Mechanistic validation revealed that Saf-Cal b inhibited the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway, which in turn suppressed the transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic pathway. This sequential inhibition led to reduced activation of hepatic stellate cells, a central event in liver fibrosis progression.

conclusionThese findings demonstrate that Saf-Cal b combination therapy is more effective than either monotherapy in alleviating liver fibrosis, with its therapeutic effect mediated through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases/transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic signaling axis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.