Mapping the knowledge domain: a bibliometric analysis of global research on traditional Chinese medicine for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (2000–2024)

Objective – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a significant global health burden with rising prevalence. While Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exhibits growing potential in NAFLD intervention, no domain-specific bibliometric evaluation currently exists. Utilising the most recent data from authoritative bibliographic databases, this study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to delineate the knowledge structure, research fronts, and collaborative networks in this field. Methods – We searched for publications from 2000 to 2024 in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, encompassing a total of 855 papers. In addition, a supplementary search was conducted in the PubMed database to identify and analyze eligible clinical trials. Bibliometric analyses were performed utilising R software, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results – Investigations into TCM about NAFLD have indicated a general upward trajectory. China leads in research output, succeeded by the United States and South Korea. Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the preeminent cooperative institution. Ji G ranks as the most productive author in this field, whereas Younossi ZM emerges as the most frequently co-cited scholar. Among journals, Journal of Ethnopharmacology publishes the largest number of articles, while Hepatology receives the highest citation frequency. Key research themes include gut microbiota, network pharmacology, inflammation, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism. Research hotspots primarily concentrate on the mechanisms by which TCM compounds, like berberine and Lingguizhugan Decoction, have garnered considerable attention, and the utilisation of contemporary research methodologies, such as network pharmacology, has markedly intensified. Conclusion – This bibliometric analysis thoroughly outlines the current status and developmental tendencies of TCM research in NAFLD for the first time, offering significant references for future investigations in this domain.