Exploring research publication trends on clove oil as an antibacterial using bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer based on Scopus database

The increase in diseases and outbreaks triggered by pathogenic microorganisms of various kinds of bacteria has increased interest in the development of the use of natural materials as antibacterial agents. Natural materials that contain antibacterial substances can be found in essential oils. Plants that contain essential oils are very abundant in this world, especially clove oil. Clove oil has a high content of eugenol, which makes it have strong antibacterial properties. Therefore, many developments have been carried out in various fields related to clove oil, both in the medical field as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, as well as in the food field as a food preservative and antibacterial food packaging. This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis map of publications related to the advantages of clove oil as an antibacterial bibliometrically using VOSviewer software. Such as research trends, emerging keywords, collaboration between researchers, and contributions from various countries. Using the query: ((TITLE-ABS-KEY(clove oil) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY(antibacterial))), 697 related literatures published in the period 1944–2024 were analyzed. From the data obtained, it was found that there was an increasing trend of publications although it was not significant and fluctuating. Overall, this research can be used to facilitate the author in identifying research gaps and become a strong basis for compiling a comprehensive and informative literature review for further research directions in the future of this research topic.