Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the research hotspots and evolutionary trends of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) from 2000 to 2024 by combining knowledge graph with bibliometric methods. A total of 769 Chinese-language literatures and 300 English-language literatures related to PNS published from 2000 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and knowledge graphs were constructed and bibliometric analysis was performed using tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace and R programming language. The results showed that the annual number of publications had a steady overall growth from 2000 to 2024, with a relatively rapid increase in English-language literatures in recent years; core authors and institutions had formed a close cooperative network. High-frequency keywords focused on themes such as Panax notoginseng, saponin components, pharmacological effects and quality control. Cluster analysis revealed research modules including "Extraction, Purification and Analysis", "Mechanism of Action and Pharmacodynamics" and "Network Pharmacology". Burst keywords and time-zone maps showed that the research focus had evolved from basic components and applications in cerebrovascular diseases to mechanisms of apoptosis and oxidative stress, and then to emerging directions such as pharmacokinetics and autophagy. The knowledge graph revealed that the research on Panax notoginseng saponins had formed a research network with Chinese universities and research institutes as the core and multi-country collaboration. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and other institutions had made outstanding contributions. The research focused on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, autophagy regulation and so on. Accurate delivery, multi-target coordination, and intestinal flora regulation are key breakthrough areas in the future. This study comprehensively combs the research context and frontier of Panax notoginseng saponins, which can provide quantitative reference and direction guidance for subsequent basic research, clinical transformation and industrial development.

Key words: Panax notoginseng saponins, Panax notoginseng, knowledge graph, bibliometrics, CiteSpace, multidisciplinary, information mining, research hotspots