# 44-year journey (1980–2024): scientometric insights into Sigesbeckiae herba and update on its medicinal properties and phytochemicals profile

## TL;DR

This paper reviews 44 years of research on Sigesbeckiae Herba, highlighting its medicinal uses, phytochemicals, and the need for more collaboration in its study.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive scientometric analysis and updated insights into the medicinal and phytochemical profile of Sigesbeckiae Herba.

## Key findings

- China leads in SH research, with limited international collaboration.
- Key research areas include anti-inflammation, rheumatic arthritis, and NF-κβ pathways.
- Over 300 phytochemicals, including flavonoids and diterpenoids, were identified in SH.

## Abstract

This study uses Scientometric analysis to review Sigesbeckiae Herba (SH) research worldwide from 1980 to 2024. Data-driven analysis identifies patterns, partnerships, and possibilities. Due to its wide profile and traditional medical uses, SH is gaining attention, according to this research. China has made the most important contributions to SH research, followed by the United stated of America and Korea. Countries and organizations have not collaborated on SH research. We found “anti-inflammation,” “rheumatic arthritis,” and “NF-κβ” using keyword co-occurrence analysis. Citation analysis showed SH research's most prominent institutions, journals, and authors, offering a complete snapshot of organization and diffusion. The data shows that this subject has received substantial academic interest despite a reduction in publications since 2019. These findings highlight the need for cooperation, multidisciplinary methods, and attention to underrepresented disciplines for academics, funding organizations, and policymakers. SH has been used to cure inflammation. Sigesbeckia orientalis L., S. pubescens Makino, and S. glabrescens Makino are the primary botanical sources. This research extensively evaluates SH literature, focusing on its botanical properties, bioactive components, pharmacological effects, and probable toxicity. More than three hundred phytochemicals, including flavonoids, diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, oxylipins, and lignoids, were identified in the extract, many of which are known to exert diverse biological effects. The extracts of SH are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities and are being considered for cosmetics and skin issues. Pharmacological benefits of diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and flavonoids are found. The study recommends further research and cooperation to enhance TCM and herbal research by comparing the chemical and pharmacological properties of these three SH species.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-025-01308-6.