By Muslim Mirror Desk
The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), which is a prestigious institute in India, has conducted a recent study on fresh cow urine and concluded that it contains harmful bacteria that make it unsuitable for human consumption. The study was conducted on samples of urine from cows and bulls, and it identified 14 types of harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli, a bacterium that is often linked to stomach infections in humans. The study has undergone peer review.
“Statistical analysis of 73 urine samples of cows, buffaloes, and humans suggest that antibacterial activity in buffalo urine was far more superior than cows. The urine of buffalo was significantly more effective on bacteria like S Epidermidis and E Rhapontici,” Bhoj Raj Singh, who led the study, told the Times of India.
The study was conducted by Singh, who leads the epidemiology department at the institute, and three of his PhD students over a period of six months, from June 2022 to November 2022. The research was conducted on three types of cows – Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Vindavani (a crossbreed) – that were sourced from local dairy farms. In addition to cow samples, the study also included samples from humans and buffaloes. He noted that a “sizeable proportion of urine samples from apparently healthy individuals carry potentially pathogenic bacteria”.
Singh pointed out that there is a common belief that “distilled” cow urine, as opposed to fresh cow urine, does not contain infectious bacteria. However, he stated that research on this topic is still ongoing. He also noted that it is not accurate to generalize that cow urine has antibacterial properties.
The research and its findings are significant because cow urine, commonly referred to as “gau mutra,” is widely sold in India as a cure for various ailments, without the need for trademark approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The sale and consumption of cow urine are unregulated, and it is considered legitimate due to the religious significance accorded to cows and their products in Hindu culture. The research highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming fresh cow urine and underscores the need for proper regulation and oversight to ensure public health and safety.
During the tenure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, the promotion of cow urine and dung as a cure for various ailments has received increased support. Several Union and state ministers, top BJP leaders, and Hindutva organizations have backed such claims. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, some BJP leaders went as far as to claim that cow urine can prevent coronavirus. Certain Hindutva groups even organized events where people drank cow urine, purportedly to protect themselves from the virus.
The recent findings by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute raise concerns about the safety of consuming cow urine and the need for evidence-based medicine.
