Gulhane Harshad et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 8 (5), 2017 1 Review Article www.ijrap.net GOMUTRA (COW URINE): A MULTIDIMENSIONAL DRUG REVIEW ARTICLE Gulhane Harshad 1 , Nakanekar Amit 2 *, Mahakal Nilesh 3 , Bhople Sunanda 4 , Salunke Amrut 5 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, MUPs Ayurved College & Hospital, Risod, Dist-Washim, Maharashtra, India 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 3 Assistant Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Gurudev Ayurved College, Gurukunj Ashram, Mozari, Dist-Amravati, Maharashtra, India 4 PG in Kayachikitsa, Amravati, Maharashtra, India 5 Associate Professor, Department of Shalakyatantra, R.A. Podar Ayurvedic Medical College, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Received on: 21/04/17 Accepted on: 23/08/17 *Corresponding author E-mail: amitnakanekar@gmail.com DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.085231 ABSTRACT Gomutra is important part of Indian tradition. It is not only holy but also has various important medicinal uses. Classical treatises in Ayurved i.e. Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata Samhita has described Ashta mutra (eight types of urine) along with their properties, indication and formulations. Cow urine is one of them. Cow urine is one of the five contents of Panchagavya which obtain from cow (urine, milk, ghee, curd and dung). Cow based treatment is called as Panchagavya Chikitsa (Cowpathy). In this modern era, the diseases related to life style like cancer, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, AIDS etc. are increasing day by day. Irrational use of antibiotics is also responsible for increase in antibiotic resistant infectious diseases. Gomutra (Cow urine) is scientifically proven to act as an immunomodulator along with its bacteriostatic action. Various actions and researches on cow urine are summarized in this article. However, more studies experimental as well as clinical can throw better light on it. Keywords: Gomutra, cow urine, Panchagavya, Immunomodulator INTRODUCTION Cow urine has a special significance in Indian tradition. Cow urine is said to have a spiritual cleansing effect as well. Cow urine has been described as water of life or “Amrita” (beverages of immortality), the nectar of the God. “Panchagavya” is a combination of cow urine, milk, dung, ghee and curd. Indian cow breeds are unique and distinct species, popularly known as “Kamdhenu” (One who can complete all wishes of mankind) and “Gaumata, (Cow is called as mother). It has high socio- cultural values, plays significant role in rural economy, represent cattle wealth and bio-diversity. In Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Vangbhat, described eight types of animal urines that can be used in medicine. Urine of cow is used in therapeutics. All these mutras (eight types of urine from different animals) are sharp, hot, pungent, bitter with salty as a secondary taste, light and promotive of evacuation. They relieve Kaphaja and Vataja disorders, those caused by krimi (worms), meda (excessive adiposity), visha(poisoning), gulma (gaseous swelling of the abdomen), arsha (piles), skin diseases including leprosy, shopha (swelling), Agnimandya(loss of appetite), pallor, heart disease. They are dipaniya and pachaniya (digestive and carminative) in function 1 The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, has mentioned importance of panchgavya in the treatment of various human diseases. Apart from high medicinal values, panchgavya is also used in agriculture, organic farming as natural manure pesticides, fertilizer, pest repellants and as alternate energy resources 2 . Cow being mother of all living entities gives all pleasures to everyone 3 All the products of cow are used as a medicines. Several curable and incurable diseases can be managed by use of cow urine as a medicine. The Ayurvedic classical texts, such as Charka Samhita, Bhavprakash and Sushrut Samhita, have described theses indications for cow urine 3 . Though modern medicine has helped us to eradicate and cure several diseases of mankind and animals; But the existent of incurable diseases like cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, side effect of allopathy medicine, increasing trends of antibiotic resistance and chemical and bio pesticides causing dietary risk has made the situation more critical than ever before. Thus it has become the matter of concern for the scientist and researcher to develop novel therapies. Cow urine has proven to be cost effective, with minimum adverse reaction when compare to modern medicine 4 All the five products such as urine, milk, ghee, curd and dung obtained from cow contain various medicinal properties, and are used singly or in combination with different medicinal herbs against many diseases including AIDS, Cancer, and Diabetes. 5. Cow urine contains nitrogen, sulphur, phosphate, sodium, manganese, iron, silicon, chlorine, magnesium, maleic, citric, tartaric and calcium salts, vitamin A, B, C, D, E, minerals, lactose, enzymes, creatinine, hormones and gold acids. Ingredients of cow urine are similar with human body. Hence consumption of cow urine is useful to maintain the balance of these substances and cures incurable diseases 6 . Medicinal Properties of Cow urine has been granted by US, as Patents (No. 6,896,907 and 6,410,059); bioenhancer, antibiotic, antifungal, and anticancer agent properties are particularly