Acacetin is a natural flavonoid found in various plants such as Saussurea involucrata and Scutellaria baicalensis. Emerging scientific studies, primarily in vitro and animal models, suggest that acacetin may have potential anti-fibrotic effects. Research has shown that acacetin can inhibit the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, reduce the expression of pro-fibrotic cytokines such as TGF-β1, and suppress extracellular matrix deposition, which are key processes in the development of fibrosis. For example, a 2021 study in "Frontiers in Pharmacology" demonstrated that acacetin attenuated cardiac fibrosis in mice by modulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. Similarly, other studies have reported protective effects against hepatic and pulmonary fibrosis in rodent models.

However, these results are largely preclinical, and there is currently a lack of robust human clinical trials to confirm acacetin’s efficacy and safety in treating or supporting fibrosis in people. There is also no significant tradition of acacetin being used for fibrosis in herbal medicine. Therefore, while there is preliminary scientific evidence suggesting a possible benefit, it is not strong enough to warrant a higher rating or broad clinical recommendation at this time.