How do I install the pubmed mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `NCBI_API_KEY`, `NCBI_EMAIL` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Pubmed MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides access to PubMed's E-utilities API for searching and downloading scientific articles. This server

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Pubmed MCP Server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides access to PubMed's E-utilities API for searching and downloading scientific articles. This server enables LLM

What it actually does

Article Search — Search PubMed database with flexible query terms
Article Download — Retrieve full article metadata, abstracts, and available content
Batch Operations — Download multiple articles in a single request
Article Summaries — Get document summaries with metadata
Multiple Formats — Support for XML, JSON, and text output formats
Rate Limiting — Automatic rate limiting to respect PubMed API limits

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
query	string, required): Search query (e.g., "COVID-19 vaccines", "machine learning AND healthcare")
max_results	int, optional): Maximum results to return (default: 20, max: 200)
sort	string, optional): Sort order - "relevance", "pub_date", or "first_author" (default: "relevance")
pmids	List of requested PMIDs
total_count	Total number of matching articles
query_used	The search query executed
results_returned	Number of results returned
sort_order	Sort order used
pmid	The PubMed ID
format_type	string, optional): Content format (default: "abstract")
return_mode	string, optional): Return format (default: "xml")
content	Combined article content
content_length	Length of content
article_count	Number of articles requested
summaries	XML summary data

How to install the Pubmed MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pubmed": {
      "command": "/path/to/pubmed-mcp/venv/bin/python",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/pubmed-mcp/server.py"
      ]
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Example prompts to try

“Use Pubmed MCP to Dependencies.”

Frequently asked questions

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides access to PubMed's E-utilities API for searching and downloading scientific articles. This server enables LLM Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.