Honey's antiviral research landscape: A 28-year bibliometric analysis (1996–2024)

Context: Honey, a natural bee product, has been widely used for its therapeutic properties, including potential antiviral effects. Aims: To evaluate global research trends on honey’s antiviral properties through a bibliometric analysis. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database for documents published between 1996 and 2024. Data were extracted using specific search queries and analysed using Bibliometrix R, Excel, Publish or Perish, and Zotero software. Results: A total of 83 documents were retrieved and analysed. There was a marked rise in global research interest in honey’s antiviral properties, with a sharp increase in publications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic mapping indicated that while honey is a central topic, most studies remain preclinical or review-based, with limited translational research. Conclusions: Research on honey’s antiviral effects is expanding, yet more mechanistic and clinical investigations are required to substantiate its therapeutic potential.