Sago starch, derived from Metroxylon sagu, has garnered significant scientific and industrial interest as a sustainable carbohydrate source for food and non-food applications. This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on sago starch from 1990 to 2025 using VOSviewer and the Scopus database. A total of 178 documents were identified, indicating a consistent increase in publications, with a marked rise post-2018. Approximately 60% of publications originate from Malaysia and Indonesia as the leading contributors, reflecting the regional abundance of sago resources and expanding research initiatives in Southeast Asia. The predominant subject areas include Agricultural and Biological Sciences (31.7%), chemistry (15.9%), and Chemical Engineering (10.3%), underscoring the multidisciplinary nature of sago research. Karim AA, Chin SF, and Pang SC. were recognized as the most influential authors, significantly contributing to studies on sago starch properties, modifications, and applications. Citation trends demonstrate a strong emphasis on material functionality, biodegradable polymers, and enhancing food texture. The overlay visualization further identifies emerging research frontiers, such as nanocomposite development, resistant starch formation, and the application of sago in functional and sustainable food systems. Overall, this bibliometric assessment provides a systematic overview of the evolution of research, key contributors, and thematic transitions in sago starch studies. These findings serve as a strategic reference for future research directions and interdisciplinary collaborations in developing high-value sago-based innovations.

Sago starch, derived from Metroxylon sagu, has garnered significant scientific and industrial interest as a sustainable carbohydrate source for food and non-food applications. This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on sago starch from 1990 to 2025 using VOSviewer and the Scopus database. A total of 178 documents were identified, indicating a consistent increase in publications, with a marked rise post-2018. Approximately 60% of publications originate from Malaysia and Indonesia as the leading contributors, reflecting the regional abundance of sago resources and expanding research initiatives in Southeast Asia. The predominant subject areas include Agricultural and Biological Sciences (31.7%), chemistry (15.9%), and Chemical Engineering (10.3%), underscoring the multidisciplinary nature of sago research. Karim AA, Chin SF, and Pang SC. were recognized as the most influential authors, significantly contributing to studies on sago starch properties, modifications, and applications. Citation trends demonstrate a strong emphasis on material functionality, biodegradable polymers, and enhancing food texture. The overlay visualization further identifies emerging research frontiers, such as nanocomposite development, resistant starch formation, and the application of sago in functional and sustainable food systems. Overall, this bibliometric assessment provides a systematic overview of the evolution of research, key contributors, and thematic transitions in sago starch studies. These findings serve as a strategic reference for future research directions and interdisciplinary collaborations in developing high-value sago-based innovations.