Bibliometric Mapping of Quercetin Research: Analysis of the Most-Cited Articles (2000-2023)

Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, has emerged as a focal point in biomedical research. Despite extensive studies, a systematic bibliometric analysis of quercetin research remains lacking. To visualize research trends, collaboration networks, and knowledge domains of quercetin research, we analyzed the top 200 most-cited articles from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000-2023) using VOSviewer software to visualize research trends, collaboration networks, and knowledge domains. The analysis identified China (n = 44; 11,238 citations) and the United States (n = 33; 8254 citations) as the leading contributors, with Tokushima University emerging as the most productive institution (n = 6; 1800 citations). The most influential research team was the Wolffram, Siegfried, and Hollman, PCH group. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry emerged as the top publishing journal (n = 14; 3738 citations). Science mapping through keyword co-occurrence analysis identified four primary research hotspots: (1) molecular mechanisms and delivery systems, (2) therapeutic applications, (3) active constituents and analytical methods, and (4) metabolic and cellular regulation. Major research topics included cancer (n = 31; 7271 citations), antioxidant effects (n = 20; 6513 citations), and neurological diseases (n = 17; 3544 citations). The dominant research areas were biochemistry and molecular biology (n = 40; 9997 citations) and pharmacology and pharmacy (n = 39; 11,208 citations). The study maps the field's intellectual structure, collaboration dynamics, and developmental trajectories, providing clear identification of knowledge gaps and strategic direction for future research in this rapidly evolving field.