Although it is known that adiponectin, which is adipose-specific protein, has effects of suppressing the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle, an effect against arteriosclerosis, an effect of inhibiting the activation of monocytes and macrophages and an anti-inflammatory effect, its action on hepatic stellate cells has never been known hitherto. The present invention has elucidated that adiponectin inhibits the actions of TGFB and PDGF on hepatic stellate cells and thereby exerts effects of suppressing hepatic fibrosis and promoting the proliferation of normal hepatocytes.