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.

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.