A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research on Gelsemium elegans Benth. Poisoning in China

This study conducted a bibliometric and visualization analysis of 265 publications related to Gelsemium elegans Benth. ( G. elegans ) poisoning in China, retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database covering the years 1995–2025. It systematically summarizes the current status, developmental trends, and research hotspots in this field. The results indicate that research on G. elegans poisoning in China has evolved through three distinct phases: An initial stage from 1995 to 2005, rapid growth from 2005 to 2015, and a peak period after 2016, with publication peaks in 2019 and 2022, reflecting growing scientific and public attention to this issue. Key research institutions are primarily concentrated at the Hunan Agricultural University and Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, representing the core centers in the field. Keyword co-occurrence and clustering analyses revealed “ G. elegans ,” “poisoning,” and “ Gelsemium alkaloids” as central themes, with studies on the toxicological mechanisms of indole alkaloids being particularly prominent. Research directions span toxicological mechanisms, epidemiology, and clinical management. Funding analysis further showed that the National Natural Science Foundation of China has provided substantial support for this field. Overall, research on G. elegans poisoning has advanced considerably, especially regarding alkaloid constituents and their toxic mechanisms. However, translational research, early diagnosis, antidote development, and misuse prevention remain underexplored. Future studies should emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration to promote advances in clinical management, toxicological assessment, and public health prevention strategies related to G. elegans poisoning.