Trends and Insights in Lavandula angustifolia Research: A Critical Literature Review (CLR) and Bibliometric Analysis of Scopus and PubMed Databases

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is considered one of the major sources of aromatic and pharmaceutical plants, as well as a source of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This aromatic plant has been widely studied for its diverse range of applications in the healthcare, cosmetic, and food industries. A critical literature review (CLR) and bibliometric analysis of the Scopus and PubMed databases were conducted, focusing on extracting and analyzing metadata related to publication trends, influential authors and institutions, and the thematic focus of the existing literature. This study reveals three major findings: spikes in research publications in 2006, 2014, and 2020, suggesting heightened interest on L. angustifolia research during these periods; significant contributions from the United States, Iran, and China, with prominent institutions like CNRS and Tehran University of Medical Sciences reflecting its global and multidisciplinary appeal; and a wide range of scientific applications, particularly in agricultural sciences, medicine, and biochemistry, with a strong emphasis on peer-reviewed papers and reviews. The study concludes that utilizing VOS-viewer software for bibliometric analyses plays a pivotal role in identifying novel works and collaboration networks, thereby guiding future research directions. This comprehensive analysis underscores L. angustifolia 's significant and evolving impact across various scientific fields.