Objective This paper uses scientometrics methods to conduct a visual analysis of Chinese and English literature on the Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) to explore its research progress and future development trends. Methods Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software were used to conduct a scientometric analysis of research literature in the field of the Gardeniae Fructus in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed databases up to 2025. From the perspectives of annual publication volume, countries, institutions, journals, keywords, and theme evolution, a visual analysis of the research on Gardeniae Fructus at home and abroad was conducted. Results A total of 5 049 relevant Chinese and 639 English literature were retrieved. The countries that conduct research in the field of Gardeniae Fructus are mainly China. The research forces show a significant regional and institutional concentration feature, and the core contributions are mostly from leading Chinese universities of traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, the popularity of research on the Gardeniae Fructus has continued to grow, with both Chinese and English literature focusing on the pharmacological mechanisms of active ingredients such as geniposide, extraction process optimization, and quality control system construction. Chinese research focuses more on the application and industrial development of traditional formulas, while English research focuses more on molecular mechanisms and international collaboration. Scientometric analysis indicates that the pharmacological activity and toxicity of key active ingredients in the Gardeniae Fructus, as well as research methods such as network pharmacology, metabolomics, molecular docking, and response surface methodology, are currently the focus and hotspots of research. Conclusion This study analyzed and visualized the Chinese and English literature on the Gardeniae Fructus using scientometric methods, and identified the research priorities and hot topics in the pharmacological activities, toxic effects, and research techniques and methods of Gardeniae Fructus. This has certain reference significance for in-depth research on the Gardeniae Fructus and its active ingredients, as well as for the selection of future research topics.

Gardeniae Fructus  /  scientometrics  /  Bibliometrix  /  VOSviewer  /  visual analysis