A multidatabase bibliometric analysis of phytochemical metabolomics research in Africa and its implications for equitable drug discovery

The rich biodiversity heritage in Africa positions it as a pivotal hub for phytochemical-based metabolomics research. This study maps the trajectory of this field through a systematic bibliometric analysis, triangulating datasets from Scopus, Web of Science, and Dimensions® (1970–2025) databases to ensure comprehensive coverage. By utilising machine-learning-aided curation, we refined the final dataset (n = 8,244) via Biblioshiny (R software) and Python-based metrics to identify the contributions aligned to eligible criteria. Using the corresponding-author country (leadership) attribution, the findings revealed a landscape of sustained scholarly growth, heavily concentrated within South Africa, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Collaboration dynamics remain uneven; while intercontinental partnerships drive significant output (43.67%), intra-African research networks are comparatively sparse, highlighting a fragmentation of regional expertise. Thematic evolution analysis uncovered a dichotomy in research focus. The field demonstrates increasing maturity in in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial models, yet critical niches such as alkaloid characterisation and clinical translation remain underdeveloped. Furthermore, foundational methodological works continue to dominate citation patterns, suggesting a reliance on established protocols over novel experimental designs. Although there is a discernible shift toward molecular docking and computational metabolomics, persistent infrastructural gaps, ranging from database limitations to instrumentation deficits, have delayed the full integration of artificial intelligence into African research workflows. The field thrives as a biodiverse innovation frontier, yet translational inequities persist. Bridging these gaps requires a strategic pivot toward robust pan-African collaboration, the integration of advanced digital tools, and policies that centre Indigenous knowledge, thereby positioning Africa as a leader in equitable global drug discovery.