RESUMO
Cytokine storm is an excessive immune process when the body is stimulated. The disease progresses rapidly with a high mortality and complicated pathogenesis. In the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the rapid deterioration of the condition of patient is closely related to the outbreak of cytokine storm in the body. The sixth edition of Diagnosis and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia also provides a traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan. This paper reviewed the pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine in antigen clearance, immune modulation and tissue protection based on the source, process and harm of cytokine storm. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine is contributive in prevention and treatment of cytokine storm, which can provide valuable medication guidance for the treatment combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinic.