Cluster analysis of research hotspots and trends in probiotics for constipation: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis (1977–2024)

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are increasingly recognized as a promising therapeutic approach for managing constipation, sparking widespread interest in their effects on gastrointestinal health. This study conducts a cluster analysis to systematically map global research trends and hotspots in probiotics for constipation from 1977 to 2024. METHODS: Relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric tools, including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R, were applied for cluster analysis, network visualization, and trend mapping. RESULTS: A total of 519 publications were included in the analysis. China led in publication volume, while the United States demonstrated the highest academic influence. Key institutions, such as the University of California System and Harvard University, were identified as major contributors. High-impact journals, including Nutrients, World Journal of Gastroenterology, and Digestive Diseases and Sciences, played central roles in disseminating research. Quigley Eamonn M. M. indicated significant influence in the field. Cluster analysis of keywords revealed 6 principal research hotspots: microbial diversity and mechanisms, gut microbiota-host interaction and pathophysiology, dietary factors and microbiome analysis techniques, epidemiology, prevalence, and population health, clinical management and therapeutic efficacy, and clinical trials and study design. Citation burst analysis indicated a recent research focus shift toward mechanisms, personalized interventions, and gut microbiome modulation. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric study based on cluster analysis identified 6 major research hotspots in probiotics for constipation, reflecting the evolving trends and collaborative networks of the field. These findings provide a comprehensive perspective on current research priorities and can guide future studies toward innovative and evidence-based clinical applications.