The compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine formulas involves the combination of king，minister，assistant，and envoy herbs，as well as considerations for seven emotions，drug properties(four qi，five flavors，ascending，descending，floating，sinking，and the nature and taste returning to specific meridians).In ancient times，all medicinal substances used for treating diseases were collectively referred to as toxic drugs，categorized based on the severity of adverse reactions.In modern times，toxicity is assessed based on adverse effects on the human body.Enhancing efficacy refers to the synergy between herbs，while reducing toxicity involves counteracting or neutralizing toxic effects.The authors reviewed related literature in recent years.The modern research progress on the compatibility of toxic drugs in traditional Chinese medicine formulas，focusing on “enhancing efficacy while reducing toxicity,” can be categorized into three aspects：the connotation，principles，and modern technological advancements.This includes exploring the rules of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity in the compatibility of toxic drugs in traditional Chinese medicine formulas，such as the use of king，minister，assistant，and envoy herbs，herb separation methods，variations in taste and dosage，combination methods，tonifying the spleen and protecting the stomach，safeguarding the middle qi，and the mutual restriction and enhancement of herb properties and effects.