A bibliometric study of the most-cited research articles and reviews in Naunyn–Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology (1969–2024)

Abstract The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited research articles and the top 100 most-cited reviews published in Naunyn–Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology (NSAP) between 1969 and 2024. The Scopus database was systematically analyzed for research papers and reviews. Author performance for both research article and review groups was evaluated using multiple bibliometric indicators—total publications, citations, h-index, g-index, m-index, HG composite, and Q2 index—with detailed results presented in the supplementary files. Institutional contributions were also highlighted. Furthermore, co-word analysis of research article and review titles was conducted to identify prevailing thematic focuses. During this period, the journal published a total of 12,354 research articles, with publication trends showing notable fluctuations. A record high of 706 research articles was published in 2024. Germany led overall contributions with 4852 publications, followed by the USA (860), Japan (661), and China (507), with the latter demonstrating a steep rise in recent years. The top 100 most-cited research articles, published between 1970 and 2006, garnered an average of 262.5 citations each. Peak citation averages occurred in 1984 (456.67), 1979 (392.20), and 1986 (384.00), while the highest annual citation rates were recorded in 2006 (15.20), 2004 (10.91), and 1984 (10.87). These influential research articles, many of them in the field of neurotransmitter research, involved 314 authors, averaging 3.83 co-authors per paper, with 15% reflecting international collaborations. Germany (32), Sweden (16), and Switzerland (12) emerged as the leading contributing countries. Similarly, review publications demonstrated a steady increase over time, culminating in a sharp rise in 2024 with 227 reviews—out of a total of 560. India (142) and Germany (140) were the most prolific countries in review authorship, followed by the USA and Iran. The top 100 most-cited reviews, published from 1973 to 2023, averaged 132.2 citations per research article. Citation activity peaked in the early 2000 s, with a 2002 review receiving 545 citations and the year 2000 averaging 277.8 citations per review. Overall, NSAP has made substantial contributions in specific areas of research and more broadly with respect to reviews. Very substantial changes in geographic origin of papers occurred during the past two decades, reflecting internationalization. Our analysis provides the scientific basis for recently implemented “Collections and call for papers” on diverse topics and editorial policies regarding review papers. Thus, the bibliographic analysis of a journal can be effectively used as a tool to ensure its future existence and adapt to a changing scientific environment.