Evaluating Organ and Cadaver preservation methods: Strengths and weaknesses across History
1Saurabh Verma and 2Nirav Patel
12 nd Year P.G Scholar, Department of Rachana Sharir, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Vadodara - 391760 (India) Mobile no – 8004798469 Email Address – saurabhverma597@gmail.com 2Associate Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Vadodara - 391760 (India) Mobile no – 8200680012 Email Address – niravpatel.61291@gmail.com Corresponding Author - Dr. Nirav Patel , Associate Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat - 391760 (India) Mobile no – 8200680012 Email Address – niravpatel.61291@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Human body preservation has progressed from ancient rituals to advanced biomedical techniques. Egyptian mummification ensured spiritual continuity, while Ayurvedic methods described in the Sushruta Samhita focused on short-term cadaver preservation for anatomical study. The medieval and Renaissance periods adopted alcohol and herbal preservation for limited-duration dissections. The 19th century introduction of formalin enabled long-term structural preservation, transforming medical education. Modern innovations—plastination, cryopreservation, and Thiel’s embalming—combine safety, anatomical realism, and in some cases, functional viability for transplantation and surgical training. This review provides a chronological and comparative analysis of preservation techniques, examining their cultural context, methodological evolution, and practical applications. The transition from ritualistic symbolism to functional biomedical utility reflects the enduring relevance of preservation science in anatomy, transplantation, and regenerative medicine.