Bibliometric and comparative analysis of research on essential oils and aromatic and medicinal plants in Morocco: Positioning and perspectives in the world

Essential oils and aromatic and medicinal plants play a vital role in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries due to their therapeutic properties and diverse applications. Morocco’s rich biodiversity offers great potential for the exploration and development of these natural resources. However, in order to fully exploit this potential, it is important to understand current trends in scientific research in this field and position Morocco in relation to other African countries. The aim of this study was to conduct a bibliometric and comparative analysis of research on essential oils and aromatic and medicinal plants in Morocco. By examining scientific publications, researcher collaborations, and citations, we sought to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Moroccan research. Furthermore, a comparison with trends in other African countries would help position Morocco in a wider regional context and highlight its contributions and gaps.