Abstract: Objective To find out about the hot spots in research on applications of herbal pair-Sargassum (Haizao, HZ) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, GC)-and to explore the pharmacological and toxic mechanisms and the toxicity/efficacy relationship in order to facilitate safe and effective clinical use. Methods Bibliometrics and data mining were used for visual analysis of animal and clinical studies related to herbal pair HZ-GC. Results A total of 184 articles were included. The keywords were summarized and the related research was divided into two big categories: effectiveness and safety. The hot spots related to mechanisms included goiter, cell proliferation, hepatotoxicity and liver drug enzymes. A toxicity-effect correlation analysis conducted on animal experimental literature showed that the toxicity/efficacy relationship of this herbal pair was closely related to the proportion, dosage, administration methods and applications in the compound formula. Despite its role in correcting thyroid indexes, anti thyroid swelling and protecting the liver, the herbal pair caused such adverse reactions as inducing liver enzymes, affecting myocardial enzymes and reducing drug excretion. The adverse reactions increased along with the dosage of Sargassum. Conclusion The herbal pair HZ-GC has both therapeutic effects and adverse reactions that may coexist and transform into each other under certain conditions. Based on the holistic perspective and guidance of TCM and by focusing on the toxicity/efficacy relationship, the integration of theoretical studies, experimental research and clinical medications is of great significance for its clinical applications.

Key words: Sargassum, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Compatibility, Toxicity/Efficacy Relationship, Bibliometric Analysis, Data Mining