Sustainable development through probiotics: a scientometric analysis of Indian research and innovation

This study provides a scientometric assessment of Indian scientists' contributions to probiotic research using data from the Web of Science database. Probiotics, the living microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed, have gained global recognition, with India contributing 5.33% of the research output in this field. The study examines key indicators, including publication growth, authorship patterns, collaboration networks, citation metrics, leading institutions, prolific authors, high-impact journals, and the impact of Indian research from 2000 to 2023. Findings reveal a steady increase in publications, along with rising international collaborations, particularly with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Indian researchers have made significant contributions in probiotic applications related to gut health, immunomodulation, and fermented foods, with publications in leading journals such as Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, LWT—Food Science and Technology, Journal of Food Science and Technology, and Frontiers in Microbiology. The study highlights the crucial role of probiotic research in improving public health, which contributes to societal well-being and economic productivity. By identifying key trends and advancements, it offers insights that can guide future innovations, particularly in environmentally sustainable practices such as reducing antibiotic dependency and promoting natural health solutions. However, a key limitation is its reliance solely on indexed publications in the Web of Science database, potentially excluding relevant contributions from other sources. Overall, this scientometric analysis underscores the broader impact of probiotic research across healthcare, industry, food, agriculture, and policymaking, emphasizing its significance in shaping future scientific and practical advancements.