Global Landscape and Emerging Frontiers in Ganoderma Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) Spores Research (2001-2024): A CiteSpace-Based Bibliometric Analysis (Review).

Ganoderma spores, as the sexual reproductive cells of Ganoderma species, are rich in bioactive components such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids. They exhibit strong immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant pharmacological effects, and have become a key biological resource in the health industry. To comprehensively understand the research status and trends of Ganoderma spores, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis based on 470 articles included in the Web of Science Core Collection (2001-2024) using CiteSpace software. The results indicated that the publication of literature on Ganoderma spores has generally exhibited an upward trend from 2001 to 2024. China has published the largest number of papers in this field, with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences being the core representative of high-yield institutions. Zhenhao Li is the most prolific author in this field and has established a wide cooperation network with numerous researchers from other institutions. The current research hotspots mainly focus on the extraction of active components, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, from sporoderm-broken or sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spores, along with pharmacological activities, particularly antitumor and antioxidant effects. Additionally, "β-D-glucans" and "development of nano functional materials" may be emerging trends in Ganoderma spore's research. This study provides a theoretical basis for researchers to conduct in-depth research and explore the potential value of Ganoderma spores.