A review of experimental and clinical studies on suture materials described in Sushruta Samhita

Abstract

The Sushruta Samhita is considered as the most important treatise for learning discipline of surgery, i.e., ‘Shalya Tantra’. Sivana Karma i.e., Suturing is primarily important among Ashtvidh Shastra Karma described in there. There can be grave consequences and even death, if suturing or closing the wound is not done in a proper way. In this regard, the Sivana Sutra, i.e., suture threads such as, bark of Ashmantak, Shana (Crotalaria pallida), Kshom (Atsee) (Linum usitatissimum), Snayu of animals, Hair of animals, tendrils of Murva (Sanseviera Roxburgiana) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are mentioned in Sushruta Samhita. Many researchers have studied usage of these suture materials in experimental as well as clinical studies. For present review, research publications from AYUSH research portal, DHARA (Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles) and Google Scholar were studied. Findings of this review clearly indicate that suture materials study is a promising, yet under explored arena in field of Ayurveda surgery.

Keywords- Suture, Guduchi, Sushruta, Wound Healing, Surgery, Shalya Tantra