Knowledge Mapping of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Gastric Cancer Research: A Bibliometric Study from 2006 to 2025.

Abstract

The study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 704 articles on traditional Chinese medicine for gastric cancer published between 2006 and 2025, using the Web of Science Core Collection WOSCC (literature database). Network analysis and visualization were performed using CiteSpace (bibliometric analysis software), VOSviewer (bibliometric mapping software), and Scimago Graphica (a free scientific data visualization application). From the perspectives of publication trends, collaborative networks, research themes, and the knowledge base, the study elucidates the current research landscape, core research forces, and the evolution of frontiers in this field. Over the past two decades, the number of publications continued to grow, reaching a historic peak of 102 in 2025. Articles published in the last decade account for over 75% of the total, indicating that this field is in an active research phase. China ranks first in publication volume (671 articles), total citations (13,447), and international collaboration centrality. Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine are the core research institutions. Major publication outlets include the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Frontiers in Pharmacology. Keyword cluster analysis identified nine major research themes: Helicobacter pylori, acupuncture, Chinese herbal injections, network pharmacology, molecular docking, metabolomics, and others. Research hotspots evolved from basic mechanistic exploration to comprehensive treatment strategies, and further to systematic studies supported by emerging technologies. Molecular docking and epithelial-mesenchymal transition represent the current research frontiers.