New perspectives on the use of ambroxol hydrochloride: a recent bibliometric analysis in experimental models

Ambroxol, also known as Trans-4-(2-amino-3,5-dibromobenzylamino)-cyclohexanol (ABX), is a chemical compound with mucolytic properties used to treat pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. It enhances mucus clearance in the respiratory tract. Recent studies have suggested its broad therapeutic potential, including analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in various clinical contexts. This study aimed to systematically identify research trends and critical points in the pharmacological activities of ambroxol hydrochloride in experimental models. A bibliometric review was conducted, retrieving 24 publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases without temporal restrictions, using appropriate English keywords. The quality of the publications was assessed using impact metrics, productivity, term density mapping, and author network analysis. The average publication rate was 0.7 articles per year, with significant growth starting in the 2000s, a notable increase between 2016 and 2020, and a peak in 2021 with 5 articles published. China was the country with the highest number of publications. The primary field of publication was medicine (33.3%), and the journals with the best metrics were Intensive Care and Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified a complex network of 77 terms, divided into 4 clusters. Co-authorship analysis revealed 139 authors, divided into 21 clusters, with the largest cluster connecting 24 authors. A scarcity of publications addressing the pleiotropic effects of ambroxol in experimental models was observed. This bibliometric review highlights the need for further research in this field to explore new therapeutic approaches and possibilities, leveraging the potential effects of this drug.