Utilisation of medicinal plants for their antifertility activities: A bibliometric analysis of research endeavours from 1968 to 2023

Background: The exponential expansion of the population, in conjunction with the escalating negative side effects associated with synthetic contraceptives, has prompted the exploration of alternative fertility control agents, particularly those sourced from medicinal plants. Currently, several articles exist on the antifertility properties of medicinal plants. However, the application of a quantitative structured methodology such as bibliometrics to provide insight into this research field is limited. Purpose: In this study, a quantitative analysis of published research articles that have been evaluated plants for their antifertility activities were examined using a bibliometric approach. We focused on publication trends, publishers, authors, keywords, countries, research hotspots, and research gaps. Methods: Data was obtained from Scopus and analysed using RStudio biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. A total of 614 research articles was retrieved after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A downward trend in research in this field was evident. The journal “Contraception”, was the most productive, with 57 publications. Furthermore, there has been a shift in the direction of research, with more focus on male contraception. VOSviewer analysis established India, Nigeria, and Iran as the most productive countries based on the number of publications. In terms of institutions, the University of Rajasthan (India) produced the most articles. The author's keyword analysis resulted in the identification of 10 most studied plants based on keyword frequency. Carica papaya L. was the most studied plant, showing promising male and female antifertility activities. Oestrus cycle analysis, anti-implantation activity, and anti-spermatogenic activities were identified as the major modes of action used by researchers for evaluating plant antifertility activities. Conclusion: We identified various research hotspots, detailing the modes of action used for evaluating plant antifertility activities. Carica papaya L., Azadirachta indica A.Juss., and Momordica charantia L. were the most studied plants and have the potential to be further investigated and developed into herbal contraceptives. Finally, there is a need to isolate compounds present in these plants and determine their antifertility properties in both preclinical and clinical studies.