Machine Learning Research Trends in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Bibliometric Review

Jiekee Lim,1 Jieyun Li,1 Mi Zhou,1 Xinang Xiao,1 Zhaoxia Xu1,2 1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhaoxia Xu, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China, Email zhaoxia7001@shutcm.edu.cnBackground: Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) knowledge with modern technology, especially machine learning (ML), has shown immense potential in enhancing TCM diagnostics and treatment. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the trends and developments in ML applications in TCM through a bibliometric analysis.Methods: Data for this study were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were analyzed and visualized using Microsoft Office Excel, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer.Results: 474 documents were identified. The analysis revealed a significant increase in research output from 2000 to 2023, with China leading in both the number of publications and research impact. Key research institutions include the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Major research hotspots identified include ML applications in TCM diagnosis, network pharmacology, and tongue diagnosis. Additionally, chemometrics with ML are highlighted for their roles in quality control and authentication of TCM products.Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of ML applications’ development trends and research landscape in TCM. The integration of ML has led to significant advancements in TCM diagnostics, personalized medicine, and quality control, paving the way for the modernization and internationalization of TCM practices. Future research should focus on improving model interpretability, fostering international collaborations, and standardized reporting protocols.Keywords: artificial intelligence, bibliometric, machine learning, review, traditional Chinese medicine