Bibliometric Analysis of Poppy Alkaloids and Morphine Biosynthesis

This bibliometric analysis examines the scientific literature development in poppy alkaloids and morphine biosynthesis from 1980 to 2024. Using data from 845 Web of Science publications, we conducted comprehensive analyses including annual scientific production, international collaboration networks, keyword analysis, citation patterns, and thematic mapping. Our findings reveal steady growth in scientific output since the 1980s, peaking at 45 publications in 2016. The USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia emerge as the most productive and influential countries in international collaboration networks. Citation analysis identifies Facchini (1996), Morishige (2000), Liscombe (2007), and Hagel (2010) as the field's most influential reference points. Thematic mapping identifies "opium poppy," "molecular-cloning," and "expression" as motor themes driving the field, while "biosynthesis," "alkaloids," and "morphine" constitute core themes. Word cloud analysis shows "Papaver somniferum" as the most frequently used term (frequency: 76), representing 8% of the total research focus according to treemap analysis. This study provides a comprehensive mapping of the scientific structure and developmental dynamics in poppy alkaloids and morphine biosynthesis research, offering valuable insights for identifying research gaps and predicting future directions in this interdisciplinary field.