Abstract

Flavonoid are bioactive plant secondary metabolites with various pharmacological activities. However, their application is limited by poor solubility, low bioavailability and instability under environmental conditions. Microparticle technology has emerged as a promising approach to overcome these limitations by enhancing flavonoid stability, solubility, and controlled release. This narrative review summarizes recent advances in the formulation and characterization of herbal-based flavonoid microparticles, highlighting polymer selection, encapsulation techniques (e.g., solvent evaporation, ionotropic gelation, spray drying, freeze drying, and spray chilling), physicochemical properties, and biological activities. The review emphasizes that microparticle-based delivery systems may enhance flavonoid bioavailability and preserve bioactivity, offering a potential strategy for the development of novel therapeutic agents. These insights provide a comprehensive reference for future research on the pharmaceutical application of flavonoid microparticles.

Key words: bioavailability; flavonoid; herbal extract; microparticle; microencapsulation, therapeutic potential