OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA in hepatic fibrosis rats and the therapeutic effects of Bushen Rougan Recipe (BSRGR). METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). The rats' hepatic tissue was studied by HE staining and Sirius red staining. The rats were divided into normal control group, fibrosis model group and BSRGR treated group (10 g.kg(-1).d(-1), i.g. for 4 weeks). At last, TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Pathological study showed that hepatic fibrosis was successfully induced by DMN in rats. The expression quantity of TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA were the most in the fibrosis model group, the second in the BSRGR treated group, and the least in the normal control group. CONCLUSION: The expression of TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA was increased in the hepatic fibrosis rats, and this is one possible mechanism of hepatic fibrosis. BSRGR can inhibit the advancement of hepatic fibrosis.