Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple systems

characterized by the development of harmful autoantibodies and immune complexes that lead to damage in organs and tissues. Chinese medicine (CM) plays a role in mitigating complications

enhancing treatment effectiveness

and reducing toxicity of concurrent medications

and ensuring a safe pregnancy. However

CM mainly solves the disease comprehensively through multi-target and multi-channel regulation process

therefore

its treatment mechanism is often complicated

involving many molecular links. This review introduces the research progress of pathogenesis of SLE from the aspects of genetics

epigenetics

innate immunity and acquired immunity

and then discusses the molecular mechanism and target of single Chinese herbal medicine and prescription that are commonly used and effective in clinic to treat SLE.