Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review of Arbutus unedo L. with a bibliometric analysis

Authors

  • Anas El Mekkaoui Mohammed V University, Higher School of Technology, Laboratory of Civil and Environmental Engineering LGCE, Rabat, Morocco
  • Mohamed Khamar Mohammed V University, Higher School of Technology, Laboratory of Civil and Environmental Engineering LGCE, Rabat, Morocco
  • Mourad Ngadi Ibn Tofail University, Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of plant and animal production and agro-industry, Kenitra, Morocco
  • Boutaina Louafi Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
  • Anouar El Ghazal Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed BenAbdellah University, Fez, Morocco
  • Soumya Elabed Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed BenAbdellah University, Fez, Morocco
  • Abderahman Nounah Mohammed V University, Higher School of Technology, Laboratory of Civil and Environmental Engineering LGCE, Rabat, Morocco

Abstract

Background: Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae) is a Mediterranean medicinal plant traditionally used to treat metabolic, inflammatory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and urological disorders. This study presents the updated and quantified information on A. unedo with a bibliometric analysis to measure the current research trends, hot topics, and key contributors.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed in this study, combining a literature review and a bibliometric analysis.  The literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed publications on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activities, with 51 publications selected. The bibliometric analysis was performed using the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. After duplicate removal and screening, 726 publications (1979–2025) were included.

Results: The literature confirms that A. unedo is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and anthocyanins, which are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and other pharmacological activities that support many of its traditional medicinal uses. Bibliometric analysis revealed a continuous increase in scientific production, with research predominantly originating from Mediterranean countries, particularly Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Thematic analyses identified phytochemistry, antioxidant activity, ethnopharmacology, and ecological adaptation as the major research areas, whereas clinical studies and industrial applications remain comparatively limited.

Conclusions: Arbutus unedo is a promising source of bioactive compounds with considerable pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential. Future research should emphasize standardized experimental protocols, in vivo and clinical validation, and interdisciplinary approaches to facilitate the sustainable valorization of this Mediterranean species.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Arbutus unedo; Ethnopharmacology; Phytochemistry; Bibliometric analysis; Medicinal plants; Bioactive compounds

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Published

07.11.2026

How to Cite

El Mekkaoui, A., Khamar, M., Ngadi, M. ., Louafi, B. ., El Ghazal, A. ., Elabed, S., & Nounah, A. . (2026). Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review of Arbutus unedo L. with a bibliometric analysis. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 36, 1–22. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/9102

Issue

Vol. 36 (2026)

Section

Reviews

License

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