The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease( NAFLD) is increasing worldwide and the age of onset gradually gets younger.However,specific therapeutic interventions are lacking. The exact mechanism of NAFLD has not yet been well elucidated. Recent studies indicate that adiponectin( APN) is an adipokine with anti- inflammatory activity and is considered a hepatic protector,which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Research on APN actions in NAFLD is popular around the world. This article summarizes the mechanism of APN actions in NAFLD,briefly describes the relationship of APN with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and NAFLD- related hepatic fibrosis,and reviews related clinical studies. It is suggested that APN holds promise as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of NAFLD and further research into the signaling pathway of APN would lead to a better understanding of its action mechanism and can provide a novel strategy for the treatment of NAFLD.