Mapping the Research Landscape of Polyphenols in Osteoarthritis: A Bibliometric Perspective.

Abstract

Polyphenols, a diverse group of plant-derived compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, have garnered increasing attention for their therapeutic potential in osteoarthritis (OA). However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the research landscape in this field has been lacking. This study aimed to systematically evaluate global research trends, knowledge structure, and emerging hotspots related to polyphenols in OA. Publications from 2000 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed using bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace. A total of 1,436 publications were identified, demonstrating a steady rise in annual output, with China and the United States emerging as the most prolific contributors. Keyword co-occurrence and citation burst analyses revealed that curcumin, resveratrol, EGCG, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cartilage degeneration are central research themes. Notably, recent trends highlight increasing interest in ferroptosis, gut microbiota, and targeted drug delivery systems in the context of polyphenol-based OA therapies. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and developmental trajectory of polyphenol research in OA, offering valuable insights to guide future studies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.