REVEALING THE MULTIFACETED LANDSCAPE OF PROPOLIS RESEARCH (1945-2023): A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF DYNAMICITY, SPATIOTEMPORAL TRENDS, AND EMERGING PARADIGMS IN SCHOLARLY DISCOURSE

Abstract

Propolis, a natural resinous substance bees produce, has long been recognized for its potential health benefits. This study aims to present a comprehensive bibliometric investigation, exploring the dynamicity, spatiotemporal trends, and emerging patterns in the scholarly discourse surrounding propolis research. The study tailed PRISMA guidelines and used MeSH databases and Scopus to retrieve relevant bibliographic data spanning 75 years. R-based Bibliometrix and VOSviewer applications were employed for data analysis. A noticeable increase in scholarly production was observed in the last two decades. Active participation in propolis research was identified from Brazil, China, and Turkey. The multidimensional nature of propolis research was evident through the diversity of topics covered in highly impactful research and intellectual maps of information sources. Thematic evolution highlighted the dynamic nature of propolis research, with emerging areas of investigation and an enhanced understanding of its therapeutic applications. Five prominent themes emerged: "propolis," "oxidative stress," "honey," "beeswax," and "allergic contact dermatitis." Additionally, emerging themes included chronic kidney disease, COVID-19, and metabolomics. Mapping international cooperation and co-citation of authors demonstrated multiple research activities. The findings of this study hold implications for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, providing insights into the current landscape of propolis research.