Natural polysaccharides are widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and medical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewable nature. This review discusses their sources, characteristics, properties, and applications. Polysaccharides, such as cellulose, starch, chitin, and chitosan, are essential in drug delivery systems, biomedical applications, and food packaging. They are also used as excipients in pharmaceuticals, including antifoaming agents and stabilizers. Natural polysaccharides have excellent rheological and biomucoadhesive properties, making them suitable for various drug delivery systems. They are classified into structural, storage, and gel-forming polysaccharides, with examples including cellulose, starch, pectin, and alginate. Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer, with applications in textiles, paper, and biocomposites. Starch is a major energy storage polysaccharide in plants and a key component of the human diet. Chitin and chitosan are used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and bioactivity. Polysaccharides are also used in food as thickening agents, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. In pharmaceuticals, they are used as drug carriers, excipients, and in drug delivery systems. Natural polysaccharides are also used in anticoagulant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory applications. They are regulated as food additives or ingredients, with specific health claims approved by regulatory bodies. Overall, natural polysaccharides have significant potential in various industries due to their unique properties and applications.Natural polysaccharides are widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and medical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewable nature. This review discusses their sources, characteristics, properties, and applications. Polysaccharides, such as cellulose, starch, chitin, and chitosan, are essential in drug delivery systems, biomedical applications, and food packaging. They are also used as excipients in pharmaceuticals, including antifoaming agents and stabilizers. Natural polysaccharides have excellent rheological and biomucoadhesive properties, making them suitable for various drug delivery systems. They are classified into structural, storage, and gel-forming polysaccharides, with examples including cellulose, starch, pectin, and alginate. Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer, with applications in textiles, paper, and biocomposites. Starch is a major energy storage polysaccharide in plants and a key component of the human diet. Chitin and chitosan are used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and bioactivity. Polysaccharides are also used in food as thickening agents, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. In pharmaceuticals, they are used as drug carriers, excipients, and in drug delivery systems. Natural polysaccharides are also used in anticoagulant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory applications. They are regulated as food additives or ingredients, with specific health claims approved by regulatory bodies. Overall, natural polysaccharides have significant potential in various industries due to their unique properties and applications.