Hormesis is an adaptive response where low doses of a stressor stimulate biological functions, while higher doses inhibit them. This biphasic dose-response phenomenon has been observed across various organisms and stressors, significantly advancing our understanding of biological regulation and adaptability. The review summarizes current research trends and future directions in hormesis, emphasizing its potential applications in disease prevention, drug development, and environmental science. Bibliometric analysis reveals that the United States is the leading country in hormesis research, with Calabrese E.J. being a prominent contributor. The field has seen a steady increase in publications and citations, with key research areas focusing on oxidative stress, aging, and the mechanisms of hormesis. Future research is expected to explore the relationship between hormesis and stress at different doses, as well as the mechanisms and applications of hormesis. The review also highlights the importance of hormesis in environmental science, where it can enhance the adaptability of organisms to environmental stressors. The analysis of keywords and co-cited authors shows that hormesis is a multidisciplinary field with significant implications for toxicology, biology, and medicine. The study concludes that hormesis has broad applications and holds promise for future research in various fields, including environmental science, medicine, and biotechnology. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of hormesis research and its potential for future development.Hormesis is an adaptive response where low doses of a stressor stimulate biological functions, while higher doses inhibit them. This biphasic dose-response phenomenon has been observed across various organisms and stressors, significantly advancing our understanding of biological regulation and adaptability. The review summarizes current research trends and future directions in hormesis, emphasizing its potential applications in disease prevention, drug development, and environmental science. Bibliometric analysis reveals that the United States is the leading country in hormesis research, with Calabrese E.J. being a prominent contributor. The field has seen a steady increase in publications and citations, with key research areas focusing on oxidative stress, aging, and the mechanisms of hormesis. Future research is expected to explore the relationship between hormesis and stress at different doses, as well as the mechanisms and applications of hormesis. The review also highlights the importance of hormesis in environmental science, where it can enhance the adaptability of organisms to environmental stressors. The analysis of keywords and co-cited authors shows that hormesis is a multidisciplinary field with significant implications for toxicology, biology, and medicine. The study concludes that hormesis has broad applications and holds promise for future research in various fields, including environmental science, medicine, and biotechnology. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of hormesis research and its potential for future development.