The toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an objective existence. At present

most of the toxic mechanism of TCM is unclear

and the research is still at the phase of exploration and accumulation at home and abroad. To meet the modern development of TCM

it is very important to establish the objective experimental data of toxic grades and the safety evaluation model. Genomics

proteomics and metabolomics have been increasingly applied in identifying TCM toxic markers and toxic mechanism. Besides

in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation

as an alternative method for evaluating traditional toxicity with animal models

has been widely studied and applied. It also has a distinct advantage in diagnozing early

slight

hidden toxicity. Besides

the quantitative automation high throughput detection and screening based on human cells or cell lines have helped improve the toxicology detection efficiency. The preponderance

particularity

evaluation index and detection methods for in vitro cytotoxicity tests are reviewed to discuss the existing problem

with the aim to develop and improve the research system of TCM toxicity.