From Germany to the world: analysis of 25,931 documents (from 1873 to 2025) published in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology.

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology has been a prominent journal in pharmacology since its inception in 1873, contributing significantly to experimental and clinical pharmacology, as well as toxicology. Despite its origins as the official journal of the German Society of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, there is a commonly held assumption that it predominantly publishes research from Germany. This study challenges that notion by examining the journal's publication dynamics over time, including the historical output, international participation, and regional contributions. The analysis of 25,931 documents indexed from 1873 to 2025 reveals a significant increase in global engagement, with contributions from 104 countries. While Germany remained the leading contributor until 2020, a decline in its share of publications is observed, with countries like China, India, and Iran surpassing Germany in recent years. The study demonstrates the journal's growing international influence and its evolution into a globally recognized platform for pharmacological research. In parallel with its increasing international reach, the journal has distinguished itself through an active commitment to academic integrity and ethical publishing. Initiatives such as post-publication image reviews, retractions of fraudulent articles, and mandatory AI disclosure policies reflect its proactive stance against scientific misconduct. Furthermore, its support for gender equity and historical accountability-evident in studies on editorial diversity, and award disparities-underscores its role as a pharmacological journal with a conscience. Together, these findings highlight both the geographic diversification and ethical leadership of a journal shaping pharmacological science on a global scale.