Abstract: Objective To explore the common toxic components, adverse reactions and toxicity related factors of traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) from the perspective of the family and class so as to provide data for research on the common properties between the family and class, the individual mechanism for detoxification and on safe, proper and accurate medications in clinic. Methods The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 was consulted. Based on studies on the safety and effectiveness of TCHMs, the correlations between the family and class of TCHMs and their toxicity were revealed. Results The mechanisms of toxicity and detoxification of TCHMs in the same family and class had something in common. The research on the mechanism of detoxification was supposed to start with the shared toxicity that was related to the processing, usage, dosage, compatibility and the balance of yin and yang of the human body. Conclusion Under the guidance of TCM theories, modern methods for quality control can be used to study the toxic parts, toxic components and the relationships between “dose-effect-toxicity” of toxic TCHMs so as to establish safety criteria. By analyzing the common components of toxic TCHMs from the same family and class and by studying the regularities of detoxification, we can advance our understanding of the toxicity and adverse reactions of TCHMs in order to ensure safe and rational drug use.

Key words: traditional Chinese herbal medicine, family and class of TCHMs, toxicity, safety, adverse drug reaction