Pharmacological potential of pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel: A bibliometric review of global research trends and future directions.

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is a widely cultivated tropical fruit with global production reaching approximately 8.55 million tons in 2023. This large-scale production generates a substantial amount of peel waste despite the fact that pomelo peel contains secondary metabolites with promising pharmacological potential. This study aimed to evaluate global research trends related to the pharmacological potential of pomelo peel using a bibliometric and review-based approach, as well as to identify future research directions. Data were collected from the Scopus database and filtered for English-language scientific articles, reviews, and conference proceedings. The analysis was performed using the Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. In total, 251 relevant articles were identified between 2002 and 2025, with a significant increase in publications since 2020. Countries such as China, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Thailand have emerged as leading contributors, supported by institutions focused on natural product research. Research has evolved from compound characterization to pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other activities. Keyword analysis revealed a growing trend toward multidisciplinary approaches involving green synthesis, electroactive biosensors, and nanoencapsulation to enhance the stability and efficacy of bioactive compounds. Future studies should integrate nanotechnology and sustainable bioprocessing to advance the clinical validation and practical biomedical applications of pomelo peel.