Scientometric analysis of Dipteryx alata Vogel (Fabaceae): A sociobiodiversity resource applied to human health

Abstract

Dipteryx alata Vogel (D. alata) is a species typical of the Brazilian Cerrado and used in several studies and research, mainly in the Health sector. Popularly known as baru, this species has known antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, anti-tumor and anti-ophidic effects, as well as being used in diets to control cholesterol. In this sense, this study aimed to characterize the scientometric indicators of D. alata as a Cerrado plant and socio-biodiversity resource applied to human health. As it is a native species in Brazil, this country leads the ranking of countries that have published the most, but most of the studies are in English. The most prominent funding agencies were the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, Goiás State Research Support Foundation and São Paulo State Research Support Foundation. Our results show that scientific production on the baru peaked in 2017 on topics related to the Cerrado biome, genetic conservation, population genetics and nutrition. While biodiversity has emerged as a consolidated theme, baru as a social resource applied to human health remains a thematic gap to be explored.