Bibliometric evaluation of research trends (1961-2025) in Clerodendrum species and their application in oncology.

This bibliometric analysis systematically charts the global research landscape of the genus Clerodendrum from 1961 to 2025, specifically investigating its evolving applications in oncology. Employing the Scopus and Web of Science databases under PRISMA guidelines, a merged dataset of 1298 broad and 51 specialized anticancer publications was analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software. The findings reveal a marked transition from foundational botanical documentation to an exponential phase of pharmacological growth over the past decade, driven heavily by preclinical evaluations of Clerodendrum's rich flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Geographically, research output is heavily centralized in Asia due to its rich ethnomedicinal heritage and immense botanical biodiversity, with India serving as the most prolific contributor (36.3% of total literature) and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology emerging as the primary publication venue. Current studies confirm that crude extracts and isolated phytochemicals induce anti-cancer activities by triggering apoptosis, inducing S and G2/M cell cycle arrest, modulating cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibiting cancer cell migration. Highly cited publications focus heavily on innovative nanomedicine design such as green-synthesized metal nanoparticles and isolating active molecules like apigenin. The thematic analysis demonstrates that while in vitro cytotoxicity screening is developed, advanced in vivo translation, systematic bioassay-guided isolation, and clinical efficacy data are severely deficient. The study concludes that standardizing dosage regimes, pursuing rigorous preclinical testing, and establishing plant tissue cultures to prevent wild over-harvesting are critical steps required to transform Clerodendrum into validated, multi-targeted oncological therapeutics.