Traditional Chinese medicine in influenza treatment: a bibliometric analysis integrating multiple databases

Background Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, is especially severe for the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its antiviral, immune-modulating, and symptom-relieving properties, has gained attention as a potential treatment. This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess the research trends, hotspots, and progress of TCM in treating influenza. Methods Literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), Scopus, and PubMed was analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix to explore author collaboration, research trends, clinical trials, and key advancements in TCM for influenza. Result Research on TCM for influenza has steadily increased since 2000, with a marked surge post-2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic. China leads the field, contributing nearly two-thirds of the publications. Research focuses on TCM interventions, antiviral mechanisms, and immune modulation, with emerging hotspots in network pharmacology and molecular mechanisms. Conclusion The study shows a steady annual growth rate of 16.94%, reflecting global interest in TCM for respiratory viral infections. Despite China’s leadership, international collaboration remains limited (10.23%). Research has shifted from empirical formulations to modern scientific methods, but further large-scale trials are needed to confirm TCM’s efficacy.