Global research progress on reproductive behavior and ethnobotany of the Saussurea genus: Literature review-based-bibliometric analysis

Background: Saussurea is the most diverse genus of the Asteraceae family generally found in temperate areas of Eurasian countries. This genus comprises approximately 27 ethnologically important species such as Saussurea laniceps, S. costus, S. medusa, S. obvallata, S. involucrata, etc. which are traditionally used for treatment of various ailments and also have aesthetic and religious importance. Methods: This study integrated two separate approaches for the literature review, first we reviewed research work conducted on ethnobotany, morphology, pollinators, breeding systems, and the development of fruits of the genus Saussurea. Second, bibliometric analysis for quantitative analysis of published documents on the Scopus database to identify research status and publication trends emerging in the field of reproductive biology and ethnobotany of the Saussurea genus. Results and Conclusion: According to our findings, all Saussurea species use entomophily as their primary method of pollination. In this genus, outcrossing is typically observed, and this breeding system appears to have been responsible for the success in terms of ecology and evolution of this genus. India is one among the top nations having the most published literature on the reproductive biology of the Saussurea genus and its ethnobotanical uses. The top three journals where the manuscripts have been published are the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”, “Plos One”, “Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine”. Research topics such as conservation, ethnopharmacology and Saussurea lappa are highly cited topics, indicating the usage of Saussurea species especially in the pharmaceutical industries. This study provides a snapshot of the research progress in the field of reproductive biology and ethnobotanical studies on the Saussurea genus at the global level and opens doors to future research. Keywords: Saussurea, pollen, breeding system, entomophily, phenology, pollinators.