An Insight into Therapeutic Benefits of Panchgavya

Panchgavya, consisting of cow-derived products such as milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd, holds significant medicinal value in Ayurveda, referred to as ‘Cowpathy.’ In India, the cow is revered as ‘Gaumata’ for its nurturing qualities. Panchgavya is recommended for treating various diseases with minimal side effects and is seen as a means to promote health, provide alternative energy sources, meet nutritional needs, and contribute to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. Its benefits extend to enhancing soil fertility, supporting earthworm production, and protecting crops from infections. 

The review emphasizes on the therapeutic effects of Panchgavya, which are as follows:

Analgesic effect:

A study demonstrated that the analgesic activity of cow urine and its distillate was comparable to that of diclofenac sodium, with significant differences noted. The analgesic effect is attributed to steroidal constituents and volatile fatty acids. The findings provide scientific validation for the use of cow urine in pain relief, aligning with Ayurvedic practices.

Hepatoprotective effect:

Panchgavya Ghrita (PGG) showed hepatoprotective effects at doses of 150–300 mg/kg in experimental animals exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage. The study assessed liver function by measuring serum enzyme markers (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP) and compared the results to Silymarin, a known reference standard. PGG significantly reduced the CCl4-induced increases in these enzymes, indicating effective liver protection.

Anti-haemorroid activity:

A study treated patients with grade I and II hemorrhoids using 250 mg of gaumutra-ghana (cow urine extract) twice daily for 30 days. The treatment showed positive effects on the large intestine, helping to relieve pain, ease defecation, and prevent itching and bleeding, according to clinical evaluations.

Wound healing activity:

Cow ghee has shown promising wound healing properties, attributed to its high content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. A study investigated its effectiveness when combined with Aegle marmelos leaf extract, assessing factors such as wound area reduction, closure, contraction, and tissue regeneration, and found rapid healing within eight days.

Anti-epileptic effect:

PGG was tested for anti-epileptic effects in an experimental model using maximal electroshock (MES) to induce convulsions. The results showed that PGG has anti-convulsant properties, as it increased the rats' motor activity and reduced sleep time induced by phenobarbitone. Therefore, PGG is suggested as an adjuvant therapy for epilepsy treatment.

Nootropic effect:

The study evaluated the nootropic effects of PGG by testing its ability to counteract diazepam-induced amnesia in comparison to piracetam as a reference standard. Using elevated Plus maze (EPM) and morris water maze (MWM) tests. Administered in different doses to mice and rats, PGG at 5 g/kg in mice and 3.5 g/kg in rats showed significant memory enhancement comparable to piracetam, indicating improved memory and retention.

To conclude, panchgavya's effects should be scientifically validated beyond ancient texts, requiring thorough experiments on its composition, safety, and pharmacological properties. Educating the public and promoting these products is also essential to showcase India's rich traditional practices globally.

Source: Bajaj KK, Chavhan V, Raut NA, Gurav S. Panchgavya: A precious gift to humankind. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Apr-Jun;13(2):100525. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.09.003. Epub 2022 Jan 5. PMID: 34998645; PMCID: PMC8814384.