Trends and Insights in Medicinal Plant Extract Research: A Ten-Year Bibliometric and Visualization Study

Abstract

This study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of research on medicinal plant extracts conducted over the past decade, with a focus on their therapeutic applications. Using the Scopus database, 1105 publications from 2014 to 2024 were analyzed to uncover trends in publication volume, collaboration networks, and research clusters. The analysis revealed a steady annual growth rate of 1.98%, with most studies concentrating on the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of plant extracts, particularly those containing bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The study also highlighted the increasing international collaborations in the field, with 30.84% of the documents featuring cross-border co-authorship. Leading contributors to this research include India, China, and Italy, whose researchers and institutions have played a significant role in advancing the field. The widespread use of advanced analytical techniques, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, has enhanced the identification and characterization of bioactive molecules. Keywords such as “plant extract”, “antioxidant activity”, and “phytochemistry” were the most frequently occurring, reflecting dominant research themes. Additionally, the h-index analysis showed that 59 of the documents had received at least 59 citations, highlighting the significant impact of this body of research. The study underscores the growing role of phytochemicals in the development of alternative therapies for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. These findings provide a roadmap for future research, encouraging further exploration of plant-based therapies with an emphasis on sustainability, bioactive compound efficacy, and global collaboration.