The Research Landscape of Spirulina platensis (2016–2025): A Bibliometric Analysis and Scoping Review of Therapeutic Trends and Biotechnological Applications

Objectives: This study evaluates the research landscape of the cyanobacterium Spirulina (recently reclassified as Limnospira), a strategic resource in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food industries. The central objective is to transition from the traditional “superfood” narrative to a structured analysis of its modern therapeutic potential as reflected in current scientific literature. This study employs bibliometric analysis to highlight research trends and thematic directions in Spirulina-related studies, rather than to experimentally validate therapeutic effects. Methods: The investigation employed an exploratory bibliometric analysis of 996 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science (2016–2025). Using VOSviewer software, we mapped keyword co-occurrence networks, international collaborations, and institutional clusters to identify dominant thematic directions and emerging research frontiers in biotechnology and medicine. Results: Bibliometric mapping illustrates research trends and thematic associations reported in the scientific literature centered on pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatoprotection. While often referred to as “microalgae”, Spirulina is biologically a photosynthetic prokaryote with a unique lipid profile characterized by high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, although clinical evidence remains heterogeneous. The analysis highlights a robust regional research hub in the Middle East and North Africa, led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in contrast to fragmented inter-continental collaboration. Conclusions: The steady upward trend in publications confirms expanding academic interest in Spirulina as a functional ingredient. However, this study underscores a persistent gap between in vitro bioactivity and standardized clinical validation. These findings provide a roadmap for future biotechnological developments, emphasizing the need for more rigorous, multi-center clinical trials to bridge the “superfood” perception with evidence-based therapeutic applications.