Ginger: a total-scale analysis of the scientific literature on a widely used spice and phytotherapeutic

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been utilized for medicinal and culinary purposes for thousands of years. Its extensive history showcases diverse uses and health benefits. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of the scientific literature landscape surrounding ginger using bibliometric techniques, aiming to explore recurring topics, trends, influential contributors, and main journals publishing ginger-related research. Utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, we identified 9,881 relevant papers published up to October 4, 2023. The analysis revealed an exponential growth in both publication and citation counts since the mid-2000s. Key phytochemical constituents, including gingerols and shogaols, emerged as focal points of research. The most frequently mentioned medical condition term identified was ‘Cancer’ (n = 577), followed by ‘Obesity’ (n = 180) and ‘COVID’ (n = 176). Journals such as the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry played leading roles in sharing ginger-related articles. Our bibliometric study offers a broad overview of ginger research, highlighting a significant increase in scholarly interest globally. This analysis not only contributes quantitative insights to the existing literature but also provides a roadmap for future investigations on ginger. The scientific literature positions ginger as a promising candidate for addressing contemporary health challenges, inviting further exploration and clinical studies.