A Bibliometric Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review

This research aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the existing literature on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its role in the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The purpose of this study is to map the global research trends, identify key authors and institutions, and evaluate the impact of TCM in the context of IPF treatment. A systematic search was performed across major databases including WoSCC, Scopus, and PubMed to collect relevant studies published up until January 2026. The study will employ various quantitative techniques, including co-authorship and co-occurrence network analysis, to visualize research patterns. The expected outcomes include identifying emerging research hotspots, understanding the collaborative networks in this area, and evaluating the contribution of different studies to the development of IPF treatments. This research will contribute to the ongoing scientific dialogue surrounding TCM’s efficacy in managing IPF and may inform future clinical studies.