Four Decades of Cytochrome P450 Research in Africa: A Historical Overview of Scientific Contributions, Research Trends, and Future Directions

Abstract

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs/P450s) are versatile heme-containing enzymes involved in drug metabolism, steroidogenesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and biotechnology. Although African researchers have contributed to P450 research for nearly four decades, no comprehensive assessment of African-led research has been conducted. This study presents a historical and bibliometric analysis of African-led P450 research published between 1987 and 2025 using PubMed and Web of Science. Of 1382 retrieved articles, 558 had African corresponding authors, and 149 included African co-authors. Research output increased markedly after 2011, with South Africa contributing 64% of African-led publications. Corresponding authors represented 31 African countries, while collaborations extended to 54 non-African countries, demonstrating strong international integration. Drug metabolism, pharmacology, and toxicology dominated the research landscape, followed by molecular biology, genomics, enzymology, and structural biology. African researchers have made important contributions to pharmacogenomics, steroidogenesis, insecticide resistance, microbial biotechnology, biosensors, and natural-product metabolism. Collectively, African-led publications have received more than 20,500 citations on Google Scholar, highlighting their global scientific impact. Despite this progress, important gaps remain in large-scale pharmacogenomics, structural biology, systems biology, industrial biotechnology, and omics-based studies. Overall, African researchers have made substantial contributions to global cytochrome P450 research and have created opportunities for future scientific growth and collaboration.