GOMUTRA (COW URINE): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC CONCEPTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Gomutra (cow urine) has been extensively described in Ayurveda as a therapeutically important substance with diverse medicinal applications. Ancient Ayurvedic classics, including the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, recognize Gomutra as one of the Ashta Mutra (eight types of animal urine) and elaborate on its pharmacological attributes, therapeutic indications, and clinical utility. It also constitutes an essential component of Panchagavya, a traditional combination of cow urine, milk, curd, ghee, and dung juice, which forms the basis of Panchagavya Chikitsa. The growing global burden of lifestyle disorders, immune-mediated diseases, chronic infections, and antimicrobial resistance has stimulated renewed scientific interest in traditional Ayurvedic interventions. Contemporary experimental studies have demonstrated that Gomutra exhibits immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and bioenhancing properties, indicating its potential as an adjunctive therapeutic agent in disease management. This review critically examines the classical Ayurvedic literature together with available scientific evidence on the pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of Gomutra. Although the existing findings are encouraging, robust preclinical investigations and well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate its efficacy, safety profile, and underlying mechanisms of action before its broader clinical application.