Emerging biomedical applications of herbal extracts-based biomaterials

Bioactive herbal extracts have garnered significant attention due to their multitarget regulation and low toxicity, yet their clinical applications are limited by poor solubility, low bioavailability, and insufficient targeting. This review systematically summarizes the pharmacological properties of terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and other components, and explores their synergistic integration with biomaterials such as nanoparticle delivery systems, microneedles, and hydrogels. Functionalized nanocarriers enhance the stability and targeting efficiency of paclitaxel, berberine, and other bioactive herbal extracts. Microneedle technology leverages physical penetration and sustained-release mechanisms to achieve efficient transdermal delivery of bioactive herbal extracts (e.g., aconitine, curcumin, and similar agents). Smart hydrogels incorporating active molecules (e.g., baicalin and icariin) achieve spatiotemporal precision in wound healing and osteoarthritis treatment through pH-/enzyme-/reactive oxygen species-responsive release mechanisms. Additionally, the combination of herbal extracts with stents or bone cement expands their potential in cardiovascular and bone regeneration applications. While these integrated systems demonstrate synergistic effects in antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and tissue repair, challenges remain in scalable manufacturing, in vivo metabolic mechanisms, and long-term biosafety. Future research should integrate smart biomaterial designs and multiomics analysis to establish a comprehensive “component-carrier-efficacy” development framework, advancing the convergence of bioactive herbal extracts and modern medical science.