wjpls, 2019, Vol. 5, Issue 6, 117-120 Review Article ISSN 2454-2229

Julika et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical World Journal and Life of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Life Sciences WJPLS

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ROLE OF GOMUTRA (COW ) IN VARIOUS DISEASES: A REVIEW

Julika*1, Sharma Usha2 and Sharma Khemchand3

1MD. Scholar, P.G. Deptt. of and Bhaishajya Kalpana Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus. 2Associate Professor, P.G. Deptt. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus. 3Professor and H.O.D., P.G. Deptt. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus.

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Julika MD. Scholar, P.G. Deptt. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus.

Article Received on 02/04/2019 Article Revised on 23/04/2019 Article Accepted on 14/05/2019

ABSTRACT

Literatures are available stating the importance of Gomutra for all purposes in our daily life which is used since ancient times for curing many ailments of human beings. Gomutra (: gomūtra;."") refers to the usage of cow urine for therapeutic purposes in traditional Indian medicine also used as an important component of the mixture called . Gomutra is used for treatment of colic, abdominal tumors, enlargement of abdomen and flatulence. For such as decoction, purgation, enema, skin diseases, diseases, heart diseases, stones, diabetes, liver problem, jaundice and its shows immunostimulant, bioenhancer, anticonvulsant, anticancerous, wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

KEYWORDS: Gomutra, immunostimulant, Panchagavya.

INTRODUCTION carbolic acid, , silicon, chlorine, magnesium, citric, succinic, calcium , vitamins A,B, C,D and E, Gomutra is being used as an effective medicine. It is also minerals, lactose, enzymes, creatinine, hormones, an important component of the mixture called and acids. Urea, a key element in urine is known to Panchagavya. has also emphasized the kill fungi and bacteria.[2] importance of Gomutra in the management of various

disorders in all treatises. In , the MATERIAL AND MATHODS description of Gomutra (Cow urine) has been given as effective substance of animal origin with innumerable. Composition of Gomutra[3] The cow urine mainly contains water (95%), urea & Therapeutic importance. Recent researches prove that Mineral salts (2.5%), Hormones and Enzymes (2.5%). gomutra is capable of curing several ailments, The main constituents shows therapeutic response are including and capable of curing blood pressure, nitrogen, sulphur, ammonia, , phosphate, sodium, blockage in arteries, arthritis blockage in arteries, potassium, manganese, carbolic acid, calcium, , arthritis, diabetes, heart attack, cancer, thyroid, asthma, vitamin (A,B,C,D,E), Lactose, Enzyme, Hippuric acid psoriasis, eczema, prostate, fits, AIDS, piles, migraine, etc. ulcer, acidity, constipation, gynecological problems and several other diseases.[1] Properties of Gomutra[4] Synonym Gomutra has been described as water of life or “Amrita” Sanskrit - Gojal, Godrava, Surabhijal (beverages of immortality), the nectar of the God. In Hindi - Gomutra , Sushruta Samhita and Vangbhatt Marathi - Gomutra, Gomteerth described eight types of animal that can be used in English - Cow-Urine medicine. Urine of cow is used in therapeutics. All these mutras (eight types of urine from different animals) are Rasapanchak[5] sharp, hot, pungent, bitter with salty as a secondary taste, Rasa - Katu, Madhur light and primitive of evacuation. They relieve Kaphaja Virya - Ushna and Vataja disorders. Research states gomutra to contain Vipak - Katu nitrogen, sulphur, phosphate, sodium, manganese, Guna - Tikshna, Ushna, Laghu

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Karma - Medhya, Deepan, Sara Purishaj krimi; it has very appreciable result in main Doshaghnata - Kapha-Vata-Shamak symptoms of Purishaj krimi.

Uses of cow urine in purification and detoxification Prevention of antibiotic resistance[10] process[6] Gomutra prevents antibiotic resistance which is one of 1. Purification of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) the biggest problems plaguing the medical field. Pesky 2. Detoxification of aconite bacteria have become remarkably adept at resisting 3. Detoxification of dhatura (Dhatura metel) antibiotic drugs, due to the rampant use of these 4. Detoxification and purification of medicines by people. By purifying and activating cow 5. Purification of loha (Iron) urine using light, researchers have found cow urine to be 6. Purification of Swarna (Gold) effective against certain drug resistant bacterial strains. 7. Purification of Tamra (Copper) 8. Purification of Naga () Anticonvulsant action 9. Purification of bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium) Gomutra concoction is the traditional herbal preparation 10. Purification of Abhraka (mica) of choice in the management of Childhood convulsive 11. Purification of Kharpar (Calamine) disorders, regardless of the cause in the Yoruba speaking 12. Purification of Rajavarta (Lapis lazuli) people of Nigeria.[11] 13. Detoxification and purification of Kuchala (Strychnos nuxvomica) Good for liver Gomutra corrects functioning of liver. So, liver makes Therapeutic Properties of Gomutra[7] healthy pure blood. It gives disease resistance power to 1. Gomutra has Lekhan and Sara property. It is the body. 1-2 ounces of daily doses of warm cow urine is Agnideepan and Medhya. It is useful in many used in the treatment of cirrhosis of liver.[12] diseases viz. Krimi, Kushtha, Udara, Gulma. It is also used for Virechan and Asthapan basti. It Good antiseptic maintains the Tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) level It is observed by researches that cow urine is having protects body against various diseases with growing antiseptic properties in wound healing and that the immunity. healing times is somewhat less in comparison to wound 2. Gomutra contains all the nutrients which are on which antiseptic cream was applied.[13] required for proper health maintenance. 3. In Ayurveda gomutra is called as Medhya and hridya Protection against parasites means it protects heart and brain from damaged Cow urine can protect against parasites inside the body. caused by mental tension. Intestinal parasites can cause a host various health 4. It eliminates drug residue from the body and problems like dysentery, abdominal pain and loss of prevents the poisonous effect of the drug residue. nutrients in the body. A study shows that these disease 5. Gomutra contains copper thus it plays a role in causing parasites can be effectively dealt with generous providing a healthy body. dose of cow urine.[14] 6. It provides mode of goodness thus helps to make the mind active and stress free. Protects heart and brain 7. It has major poisonous destroyer activity thus it Mental tension hurts nervous system. It is called medhya prevents the disease due to poisonous intake and and hradya, which means it, gives strength to brain and help to remove and purify the chemical toxin. heart. Thus gomutra protects heart and brain from 8. In Ayurveda, Gomutra is claimed to be helpful in the damages caused by mental tension and protects these treatment of leprosy, abdominal colic pain, bloating, organs from disorders and diseases. By acting against the and cancer.[8] voice of soul (immoral & sinful action), the heart and mind become narrow minded. Due to this the functioning Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic Activity[9] of body is effected and causes diseases. Cow urine The Gomutra could be used for the treatment of the provides mood of goodness. Thus helps us to perform disease caused by Pathogenic bacteria, Opportunistic correct activities by mind. Thus protects from fungi and parasitic helminthes. It was reported from diseases.[15] various analyses that cow urine concentrate shows more inhibition of gram positive bacteria in comparison of Poison destroyer gram negative bacteria. Cow urine shows marked Excessive use of any medicine leaves some residue in anthelmintic activity by causing paralysis and death of our body. This residue causes diseases. worms in a dose dependent manner. It was concluded that cow urine increases antibiotic activity against Cow urine destroys the poisonous effects of residues and various pathogens due to its bio enhancing property. makes body disease free. It being Miraculous poison Khadiradi kashaya along with Gomutra used in this destroyer destroys the disease caused by poison (Toxin). study proves very good utility in the management of Extremely dangerous chemicals are purified by cow

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urine. Cow urine provides immunity power by increasing acid, calcium, and manganese has strongly explained the resistance power against diseases in human body. germicidal and antimicrobial properties of cow urine. Presence of amino acids and urinary peptides may Anticancer properties enhance the bactericidal effect by increasing the bacterial Gomutra has great antioxidant properties which help in cell surface hydrophobicity. It enhances the phagocytic neutralizing oxidative stress and scavenging free activity of macrophages. Fresh cow urine contain higher radicals. These properties point towards potential anti- amounts of phenols than cow urine distillate (CUD) cancer powers of cow urine. This is not to say that it can makes it more effective against microbes. After photo- cure cancer but act as a deterrent for the risk of cancer.[16] activation, few biogenic volatile inorganic and organic compounds such as CO2, NH3, CH4, methanol, propanol For kidney diseases and acetone, and some metabolic secondary nitrogenous Gomutra cures kidney ailments. It can be used for stones. products are also formed.[22] Photo-activated cow urine A glass of fresh cow urine should be taken as a first thing (PhCU) is highly acidic than fresh cow urine this may be in the morning for 21days. Uric acid present in cow urine responsible for increase in bactericidal action. Inorganic dissolve the stones to a manageable size.[17] substances in cow urine such as phosphorus, chloride and dimethylamine may also play an important role. It Antidiabetic effect prevents the development of antibacterial resistance by Gomtra and its concentrate that is left after distillation blocking the R-factor; a part of plasmid genome of were subjected to investigations for verifying and bacteria cow urine contains phenolic acids (gallic, establishing antidiabetic activity. The antidiabetic caffeic, ferulic, o-coumaric, cinnamic, and salicylic activity of cow urine and standard glibenclamide drug acids) which have antifungalcharacteristics.[23] was studied in alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Their blood Antioxidant property of uric acid and allantoin present in glucose level was determined using Glucose Oxidase– cow urine correlates with its anticancer effect. it reduces Peroxidase (GOD-POD) method. The results were apoptosis in lymphocytes and helps them to survive compared with the results obtained in standard better This action may be due to the free radical glibenclamide treated rats. The cow urine distillate scavenging activity of the urine components, and these produced a significant reduction of elevated blood components may prevent the process of aging. It glucose, serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels efficiently repairs the damaged DNA. Daily consumption when compared with the diabetic control. It also justifies of cow urine improves immunity due to the presence of the use of available marketed formulations containing swarnkshar and fastens the wound healing process, cow urine in treating diabetic patients.[18] which is due to allantoin cow urine enhances the immunocompetence by facilitating the synthesis of For Skin diseases interleukin-1 and -2, augments B - and T- lymphocyte Cow urine is helpful to get relief from most of the skin blastogenesis, and IgA, IgM and IgG antibody titers[24] diseases like Psoriasis, itching, eczema, sun burns, acne, Early morning first voided cow urine is more sterile and dermatitis, skin allergies and scabies.[19] have more macro and micronutrients along with other enzyme/urea content could be more effective. Wound healing activity of gomutra in DM induced rats Dose of Gomutra[21] Study demonstrated that gomutra ark significantly The general dose of the gomutra is 25ml at a time. When increases wound healing in diabetic wound patient. Thus, it is taken two times in a day the dose is 50ml. It is not it helps in accelerating wound healing in diabetic patients harmful and provides protection against several diseases because of its property of enhancing granulation tissue and improves immune power if taken on regular basis. formation.[20] Some important formulation in which Gomutra is Anti-urolithiatic effect of cow urine used[22] Gomutra ark showed significant effect against renal 1. Ashwinikumar rasa calculi and restoration of compromised renal function. 2. Arshakuthar rasa This type of action of CU might be due to it reduce 3. Sanjivani Vati excretion of calcium oxalate. 4. Mandura vatak 5. Punarnava mandura And inhibit process of crystallization. Further 6. loha mandura experimental studies are needed to know its mechanism 7. Tryoshanadi mandura of action. 8. Agnimukha mandura 9. Panchagavya Ghrita Mechanism of action of cow urine 10. Kasisadi Taila Cow urine have different fractions like antimicrobial activity due to the presence of certain components like CONCLUSION volatile and nonvolatile ones.[21] Presence of creatinine, Gomutra is the one of the best natural medicine which urea, swarnkshara (aurum hydroxide), phenols, carbolic helps to improve health care system. The activities www.wjpls.org 119 Julika et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

within the urine sample make it highly effective 13. Maheshwari AK, Gupta AK, Das AK. (Effect of therapeutic agent used in curing many. Cow Urine on Wounds). The Ind Cow, 2004; 1: 19-24. Diseases. The ancient scriptures of Ayurveda consider 14. Nishanth BC, Kamal D, Sandeep M, Megharaj HK. gomutra to be the elixir of life. It is the most effective (Cow urine concentrate: a potent agent with natural remedy and the safest method of treatment antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity). J of Pharm bestowed upon us by nature. It Is based formulations Res., 2010; 3(5): 1025-27. would definitely prove to be a potential medicine which 15. Paladugu Sujitha wonders of cow urine its benefits-a in turn would reduce the pressure on the existing use of review ejbps, 2017; 4(12): 320-323. chemicals and antibiotics. While this sounds a little 16. Singh AK, Singh PK, Singhal LK, Agrawal OK. unconventional for many, it could be a major step in (Pathogenic Effect of Free Radicals and their disease management. prevention through cowpathy-The Indian Cow).The Sci and Eco J., 2009; 6(21): 4-8. REFERENCES 17. Dharma K, Rathor Rajesh, Chauhan RS, Tomar Simmi. (Panchgavya (cowpathy): An Overview). Int 1. Dharma K, Rathor Rajesh, Chauhan RS, Tomar J of Cow Sci., 2005a; 1(1): 1-15. Simmi. (Panchgavya (cowpathy): An Overview). Int 18. Gururaja M.P, Joshi AB, Himanshu Joshi D, J of Cow Sci., 2005a; 1(1): 1-15. Sathyanarayana, Subrahmanyam EVS, 2. Paladugu Sujitha wonders of cow urine its benefits-a Chandrashekhar KS. (Antidiabetic potential of cow review ejbps., 2017; 4(12): 320-323. urine in streptomycininduced diabetic rats). Asi J of 3. Kuldeep Dhama, Sandip Chakraborty and Ruchi Trad Med., 2011; 6(1): 66-9. Tiwari.; Panchgavya therapy (Cowpathy) in 19. Bramhanand Tripathi, Chaukhambha Surbharati safeguarding health of animals and humans – A Prakashan. Charak Samhita. Volume I., Varanasi; review. Res. Opin. Anim. Vet. Sci., 2013; 3(6): John Wiley and Sons, 2013; 93-7. 170-178. 20. Hiren N. Hirapara, Vishal M. Ghori, Ashish P. 4. Yadavaji Trikamaji, Acharya prologue by Prof. R. Anovadiya, Chandrabhanu R. Tripathi. Evaluation H. Singh, Charak Samhita Sutrasthan, Reprinted of wound healing activity of cow urine ark in edition, publication verse no 01/07, Chaukhamba diabetic Wistar albino rats, Journal of intercultural Surabharati Prakashan, 2011. Ethnopharmacology, 2016; 5(4): 434-438. 5. Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri. Susruta Samhita 21. Jarald E, Edwin S, Tiwari V, Garg R, Toppo E. (Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary), Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of cow Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, 2005; 1. urine. Glob J Pharmacol, 2008; 2: 20-2. 6. Ayurved sarsamgraha, shri Baidyanath Ayurved 22. Upadhyay RK, Dwivedi P, Ahmad S. Antimicrobial Bhavan private ltd, Nagpur, 2004. activity of photoactivated cow urine against certain 7. Dr. Sandeep Ruplal Jadhao. A review on Gomutra: pathogenic bacterial strains. Afr J Biotechnol, 2010; Benefaction to human beings for healing by nature. 9: 518-22. Int J of Allied Med Sci and Clin Res., 2017; 5(4): 23. Singh UP, Maurya S, Singh A, Nath G, Singh M. 933-935. Antimicrobial efficacy, disease inhibition and 8. N. K. Jain; V. B. Gupta; Rajesh Garg; N. Silawat. phenolic acidinducing potential of chloroform "Efficacy of cow on various cancer fraction of cow urine. Arch Phytopathol Plant patients in Mandsaur District, – A survey". Protect, 2012; 45: 1546-57. International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 2010; 24. Kumar S. Analysis of cow’s urine for detection of 4(1): 29–35. lipase activity and anti-microbial properties. J Pharm 9. Prashith Kekuda T.R, Nishanth B.C, Praveen Kumar BiolSci, 2013; 7: 1-8. S.V, Kamal D, Sandeep M, and Megharaj H.K.; 25. Ashish Kumar Pareek et al. Cow Urine: A Proper Cow Urine Concentrate : A potent agent with Treatment with Significant Action IJPT, 2015; 6(4): Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic activity. Journal of 7941-7950. Pharmacy Research, 2010; 3(5): 1025-1027. 26. Ayurved sarsamgraha, shri Baidyanath Ayurved 10. Biddle S, Teale P, Robinson A, Bowman J, Bhavan private ltd, Nagpur, 2004. Houghton E.(Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis to determine natural. 11. Chauhan RS, Singh BP, Singhal LK. (Immunomodulation with Kamdhenu Ark in mice). J of Immunology and Immunopathology, 2001; 3(2): 74-77. 12. Dharma K, Rathor Rajesh, Chauhan RS, Tomar Simmi. (Panchgavya (cowpathy): An Overview). Int J of Cow Sci., 2005a; 1(1): 1-15.

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