“Iron induced cell death, as a new type of programmed cell death, is closely related to various physiological and pathological processes. Research has found that ferroptosis has a regulatory effect on the growth and proliferation of tumor cells, and the induction of ferroptosis in tumor cells by active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine shows great clinical therapeutic potential. This article reviews the metabolic regulatory network of ferroptosis and the research progress on the induction of ferroptosis in tumor cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, providing new strategies for the anti-tumor application of traditional Chinese medicine.”