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Scientometric analysis of medicinal leech therapy
Engin Şenel1, Ayşegül Taylan Özkan2, Kosta Y Mumcuoglu3
1Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Çorum, Turkey.
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
|July 11, 2019
Summary
This study presents the first scientometric analysis of hirudotherapy (medicinal leech therapy) literature. The USA leads in publications, with a peak in 2011, highlighting the growing interest in this ancient therapy.
Area of Science:
- Complementary Medicine
- Biomedical Research
- Therapeutic Modalities
Background:
- Hirudotherapy, or medicinal leech therapy, has ancient origins, dating back to Egyptian times and Ayurvedic medicine.
- It is recognized as Jalaukavacharana in ancient Sanskrit texts.
- Despite its historical use and recent popularity in complementary medicine, scientometric studies were lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the existing hirudotherapy literature.
- To map the research landscape and identify key trends and contributors in the field.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Web of Science databases for data collection.
- Keywords included "hirudotherapy", "leech therapy", "medicinal leech", and "medicinal leech therapy".
Main Results:
- A total of 834 articles were identified, with 89.8% being original research.
- The United States led in publications (280), followed by the UK (128), Germany (101), and France (41).
- The UK, Slovenia, and Israel showed the highest productivity per country; peak publication year was 2011.
Conclusions:
- This is the first bibliometric and scientometric analysis of hirudotherapy literature.
- Further multicenter studies and research from developing nations are recommended to expand the knowledge base.
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