A Review: Natural polymers play a critical role in pharmaceutical herbal formulations for microsphere technology

Natural polymers are widely used in microspheres due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to encapsulate drugs for sustained release. Below is a concise overview of commonly used natural polymers in this application. Chitosan Microspheres advantages are Biodegradable, non-toxic, and pH-responsive, allowing targeted release in specific physiological environments. Alginate Microspheres advantages are Gentle encapsulation process suitable for biologics, high biocompatibility. Gelatin Microspheres advantages are Cost-effective, biocompatible, and supports cell adhesion in tissue engineering. Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres advantages are Enhances tissue integration and reduces inflammation. Starch Microspheres advantages are Abundant, low-cost, and easily modifiable. Cellulose Microspheres advantages are High stability and versatility in formulation. Dextran Microspheres advantages are low immunogenicity and tunable degradation. Natural polymers are increasingly vital in pharmaceutical formulations for targeted drug delivery and sustained/controlled-release microspheres, particularly for herbal drug formulations. Their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to encapsulate bioactive herbal compounds make them ideal for delivering plant-derived drugs with improved efficacy and safety.