Indian labs researching cow urine for anti-cancer trait, claims govt

NEW DELHI: The government labs have undertaken research on cow urine to identify the anti-infective and anti-cancer agents and nutrients present in them, the government informed Lok Sabha.

“Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through its constituent laboratories has conducted research studies in collaboration with Go Vigyan Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur, on cow urine distillate for its antioxidant and bio-enhancing properties on anti-infective and anti-cancer agents and nutrients,” MoS for AYUSH, Shripad Yesso Naik, said, Indian media reported.

A pharmaceutical product containing cow urine distillate with anti-oxidant properties is available in the market, he added.

His statement also explained how cow urine is used commonly in Ayurvedic medicines. “Panchagavya is a classic collective name of five products obtained from cow viz milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung. Cow urine is ingredient of several Ayurvedic formulations and also used as adjuvant with medicinal formulations and for pharmaceutical  processing called Shodhana (Purification) and Bhavana (Triturition) of medicinal materials,” Naik said.

“Panchagavya and its ingredients are part of the course curricula of Ayurvedic studies at degree and post-graduation levels. Opportunities of postgraduate and postdoctoral research as well as extramural research on Panchagavya are available to the interested scholars and scientists,” he said. For regulatory purposes the licensing and quality control provisions for medicines made from cow’s products are prescribed in the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945, the minister added.