Developing A Herbal Preservative For Cadavers In Ayurvedic Anatomy- A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Preserving cadavers is crucial for anatomical studies, but traditional methods using chemicalssuch as formalin can have harmful properties. Ayurveda, like other sciences, lacks an alternative method forpreservation. This study aimed to find a safe and effective herbal preservative for cadavers.Aim: The aim of this study was to formulate an herbal preservative solution for human cadavers that ensuresno risk of infection on contact, preservation of the body, and prevention of putrefaction changes andcontamination with maggots and insects.Objective: The objectives of the study were to identify natural preservative ingredients used in Ayurveda,research individual ingredients for their possible role as preservatives, and prepare and test an herbal solutionon chicken muscle pieces.Material and Methods: A detailed literature survey was conducted to identify natural preservative ingredientsused in Ayurveda. The individual ingredients were researched for their possible role as preservatives. An herbalsolution was prepared using the identified ingredients, and its efficacy was tested on chicken muscle pieces.Results: The study identified natural preservative ingredients such as Amalaka, Vibhitaki, Haritaki, Neembaand Vidanga. These ingredients were found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatoryproperties that could potentially preserve human cadavers. Tested herbal preservative solution on chickenmuscle pieces at different concentrations. Preservation duration increased with higher concentration ofsolution. Maximum preservation period was achieved with 100% solution with no signs of contamination withmaggots and insects.Conclusion: This study provides a potential alternative to traditional chemical embalming methods and mayenable Ayurvedic graduates to successfully practice medicine and surgery. To validate the effectiveness of theherbal solution on human cadavers, additional research is required. Moreover, in the main study, it isrecommended to substitute certain drugs that could potentially enhance tissue preservation longevity in thissolution.