Phytochemicals in Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases: A Bibliometric Study

Abstract

Background. Phytochemicals are compounds that are naturally found in plants and are known to have various health benefits. However, phytochemicals are structurally complex, inherently unstable, and have low bioavailability. Unfortunately, research on phytochemicals lags behind that of essential nutrients. This paper focuses on a bibliometric analysis to understand citation patterns in phytochemical research related to chronic diseases. It examines the current state of research, research focal points, and anticipated trends in the field. Methods. We analyzed published literature on phytochemicals and chronic diseases using the Web of Science database. Our search included only English-language publications until April 1, 2023. Visual Metrics software was used to examine data on countries, institutions, authors, journals, and citations. Results. For this study, a total of 2,297 articles were retrieved from 2008 to the present, with a significant increase in citations starting in 2017. China was found to be the leading country in paper production, while the United States had the highest H-index, placing both at the forefront of research in this field. King Saud University published the most, and Liu RH emerged as the most influential author. The analysis showed limited collaboration between institutions across different countries. Molecules were the primary source for phytochemical-related papers. The top 20 keywords highlighted flavonoids and their association with cardiovascular diseases, indicating them as prominent themes in recent phytochemical research with the potential to remain relevant. Conclusions. The study highlights the increasing interest in phytochemical research related to chronic diseases. It provides a thorough review and analysis of the present situation, the latest research topics, and academic trends in this field. This information is precious for researchers and healthcare professionals. It helps them to comprehend significant literature and keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field, eventually leading to progress in this field.