Review Article: Role of Murva Tantu as an Absorbable Suturing Material Compared to Vicryl in Wistar Rats

Authors:

Dr.Rishabh Sanjay Singh, PG Scholar, Dept. Of Shalyatantra, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur

Dr.Jyoti Shinde, Prof and HOD, Dept. Of Shalyatantra

Abstract

Suture materials play a critical role in wound healing, influencing tissue response, infection rates, and overall surgical outcomes. Synthetic absorbable sutures such as Vicryl (polyglactin 910) are widely used due to their predictable absorption and minimal tissue reactivity. However, increasing interest in cost-effective, biocompatible, and eco-friendly alternatives has led to exploration of natural fibers like Murva Tantu (derived from Sansevieria roxburghiana). This review evaluates the potential of Murva as an absorbable suture material in comparison with Vicryl, particularly in experimental models such as Wistar rats. Murva fibers are traditionally prepared through retting, fiber extraction, braiding, and sterilization, making them suitable for surgical use. Clinical studies in humans have demonstrated that Murva sutures exhibit acceptable wound healing, minimal postoperative pain, and satisfactory tensile strength. Experimental animal studies on suture materials in Wistar rats highlight that ideal sutures should produce minimal inflammatory reaction, maintain tensile strength during healing, and undergo predictable absorption. Vicryl has consistently shown favorable outcome, including reduced inflammation and fibrosis overtime .Comparative evaluation suggests that Murva , being a natural fiber, offers advantages such as biodegradability, affordability, and easy availability. However, concerns remain regarding its uniformity, sterility, and long-term tensile strength compared to standardized synthetic sutures. In contrast, Vicryl demonstrates superior consistency, controlled absorption, and predictable tissue response in rat models and clinical practice.

In Wistar rat studies, parameters such as histopathological reaction, tensile strength, wound healing rate, and infection incidence are commonly assessed. Evidence from experimental studies indicates that synthetic absorbable sutures like Vicryl produce less tissue reaction and more predictable healing compared to alternative materials.

In conclusion, Murva Tantu shows promising potential as a natural absorbable suture material, especially in low-resource settings. However, further controlled experimental studies in Wistar rats are required to directly compare its efficacy, safety, and histological outcomes with Vicryl before widespread clinical adoption.