A State of the Art and Research Trends on the Rhipsalis Genus: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The genus Rhipsalis belongs to the Cactaceae family and comprises 33 registered species, which exhibit unique biological and evolutionary characteristics attributed to their wide biogeographical distribution. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the current state and research trends on this group. A bibliometric analysis of 110 research articles published from 2001 to 2024 in Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) was performed using the R Bibliometrix package. Co-occurrence networks, collaboration networks, and factor analyses were used to study authors, countries, keywords, and references. The results do not suggest a clear trend in scientific output or the number of citations; however, the publication of reports remained constant throughout the period. The main source of publications comes from Brazilian institutions, characterized by a high rate of self-collaboration. Among the 25 most cited references, topics related to biology and cactus systematics predominate. Three thematic clusters correlated with the keywords were identified: the first on ecology and evolution, the second on ethnobotanical and pharmacological uses, and the third on molecular and phylogenetic studies. This research is currently in a consolidation phase, focused on resolving complex taxonomic and evolutionary questions while simultaneously prompting metabolite bioprospecting with therapeutic potential. Active lines of research are using Rhipsalis baccifera, considered a relevant species within the genus, as a model organism. Phytochemical characterization is being studied to support its uses in traditional medicine, as well as its antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. This study synthesizes the main genus research advances, offering a framework to guide future explorations and their possible applications.