Global research trends on Areca catechu L. (Areca nut): A bibliometric analysis from 1970 to 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22437/proca.v1i2.50526Keywords:
bibliometrics; global research; research trend; scientometrics; thematic mapAbstract
Background: Areca catechu L. (A. catechu), known as areca or betel nut palm, is a tropical tree widely cultivated across South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of East Africa. Over the past five decades, A. catechu has garnered substantial scientific attention. Previous bibliometric studies have primarily focused on areca nut as a risk factor in relation to oral health conditions. Methods: A bibliometric analysis of 2,869 publications from 1970 to 2025 was conducted using the Bibliometrix R package (biblioshiny 5.0) to evaluate research trends and collaboration networks. Results: The average yearly growth rate of publications was 7.24%, with India leading the way in terms of publications. The most active author, affiliation, and source are Yang SF, Kaohsiung Medical University, Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, respectively. The main topic in the medical field was oral lesions and the risk factors associated with betel nut chewing, including arecoline and oral fibrosis. Emerging topics included antibacterial, antioxidant, and composite material engineering, as well as adsorbents and natural fibers, which are also gaining attention in non-medical fields. Conclusion: Countries with the highest A. catechu plantation production are the most prolific in journal publications. The utilization of areca nut plantation products can be directed towards research into their potential as a natural fiber, hybrid composite, and their polyphenolic compounds as antibacterial and antioxidant agents.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ave Olivia Rahman, Didik Gunawan Tamtomo, Adi Prayitno, Dicky Moch. Rizal, Vitri Widyaningsih, Risya Cilmiaty A.R, Paramasari Dirgahayu
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