Green Polymers for Human Welfare: Exploring Plant-Derived Natural Gums as Safe Polysaccharides in Sustainable Drug Delivery Systems

Natural gums derived from plants are gaining traction as valuable biopolymers in the creation of safe, sustainable, and effective pharmaceutical products. These polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and gum karaya possess favorable physicochemical attributes, including high viscosity, swelling properties, and the ability to form films, which allow them to function as matrix formers, binders, and release retardants in both oral and innovative drug delivery systems. In contrast to synthetic polymers, natural gums demonstrate biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and cost efficiency. This review focuses on the structural features, formulation benefits, and limitations of plant-based gums, highlighting their utility in both traditional and advanced drug delivery methods. It also examines strategies for chemical modifications, smart polymer characteristics for targeted release, and recent studies that underscore their significance in sustained and targeted drug delivery. The paper concludes by discussing future research avenues and the promise of these eco-friendly polymers to enhance human well-being and drive sustainable innovations in pharmaceuticals. Keywords: Natural gums, Green polymers, Biopolymers, Drug delivery systems, Controlled release, Pharmaceutical applications