Development and application of natural oral hydrogels in drug delivery systems

• Oral natural hydrogels offer superior biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, making them ideal for safe and effective drug delivery. • They enable precise drug targeting and controlled release, overcoming gastrointestinal barriers and improving bioavailability. • Emerging smart hydrogels, such as pH-responsive and ROS-responsive systems, are advancing personalized and intelligent drug delivery. • Challenges remain in mechanical strength and potential immunogenicity, necessitating further optimization for clinical translation.