Traditional Chinese medicine in influenza treatment: a bibliometric analysis integrating multiple databases

TL;DR

This paper uses bibliometric analysis to study global research trends in using traditional Chinese medicine for treating influenza, highlighting China's leading role and the need for more international collaboration.

Contribution

The novel contribution is a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of TCM for influenza across multiple databases, revealing trends, hotspots, and gaps in global research.

Findings

Research on TCM for influenza has increased steadily since 2000, with a surge post-2019 due to the pandemic.

China dominates the field with 66% of publications, but international collaboration is low at 10.23%.

Current research focuses on antiviral mechanisms, immune modulation, and emerging areas like network pharmacology.

Abstract

Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, is especially severe for the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its antiviral, immune-modulating, and symptom-relieving properties, has gained attention as a potential treatment. This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess the research trends, hotspots, and progress of TCM in treating influenza.

Literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), Scopus, and PubMed was analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix to explore author collaboration, research trends, clinical trials, and key advancements in TCM for influenza.

Research on TCM for influenza has steadily increased since 2000, with a marked surge post-2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic. China leads the field, contributing nearly two-thirds of the publications. Research focuses on TCM interventions, antiviral mechanisms, and immune modulation, with emerging hotspots in network pharmacology and molecular mechanisms.

The study shows a steady annual growth rate of 16.94%, reflecting global interest in TCM for respiratory viral infections. Despite China’s leadership, international collaboration remains limited (10.23%). Research has shifted from empirical formulations to modern scientific methods, but further large-scale trials are needed to confirm TCM’s efficacy.

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