OBJECTIVE To systematically analyse the research status and hotspots of Jiegeng decoction from the perspective of bibliometrics, and to provide theoretical references for its clinical application and in-depth research.

METHODS We searched the relevant literature in the databases of China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang and VIP up to March 2025, and used NoteExpress for de-duplication and screening, combined with Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer to analyse the dimensions of trend of issuance, country/institution cooperation, author network, and keywords. The dimensions of publication trend, country/institution collaboration, author network and keywords were visualised and analysed by combining Excel, CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

RESULTS A total of 597 Chinese articles were included. The number of variable publications was characterised by a four-stage evolution, with the core research institutions focusing on TCM colleges and affiliated hospitals, and less cross-country collaboration. Literature focused on the effects of Jiegeng decoction on "cough", "treatment" and "chronic pharyngitis". Emerging keywords indicated that "mechanism of action", "therapeutic effect", "medication pattern" and "antiviral" were emerging hot topics in recent years.

CONCLUSION The study of Jiegeng decoction is shifting from single disease treatment to multi-target system regulation. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the interdisciplinary integration, deepen the research on the immunomodulatory mechanism of Jiegeng decoction in respiratory viral infections, build the "chemical component-biological effect" related quality control system, deepen the combination of network pharmacology and real-world research, and provide a new paradigm for the modernisation of classical prescriptions.