An Insight into the Healing Powers of Panchgavya

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

This review highlights the therapeutic effects of Panchgavya, as demonstrated in recent studies:

• Analgesic Effect:

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

• Hepatoprotective Effect:

Panchgavya Ghrita (PGG) exhibited hepatoprotective effects at doses of 150–300 mg/kg in experimental animals exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage. Liver function was assessed through serum enzyme markers (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP), and PGG significantly reduced CCl4-induced elevations in these enzymes, comparable to the reference standard, Silymarin, indicating effective liver protection.

• Anti-Hemorrhoid Activity:

In a clinical study, patients with grade I and II hemorrhoids were treated with 250 mg of gaumutra-ghana (cow urine extract) twice daily for 30 days. The treatment yielded positive outcomes, relieving pain, easing defecation, and preventing itching and bleeding, as confirmed through clinical evaluations.

• Wound Healing Activity:

Cow ghee has demonstrated promising wound healing properties, attributed to its rich content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. A study combining cow ghee with Aegle marmelos leaf extract assessed parameters such as wound area reduction, closure, contraction, and tissue regeneration, observing rapid healing within eight days.

• Anti-Epileptic Effect:

PGG was evaluated for its anti-epileptic potential in an experimental model using maximal electroshock (MES) to induce convulsions. The findings revealed that PGG possesses anticonvulsant properties, as evidenced by increased motor activity and reduced phenobarbitone-induced sleep time in rats, suggesting its utility as an adjuvant therapy in epilepsy management.

• Nootropic Effect:

The nootropic effects of PGG were assessed by its ability to counteract diazepam-induced amnesia, with piracetam serving as the reference standard. Using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests, 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.

In conclusion, while the therapeutic effects of Panchgavya are well-acknowledged in traditional texts, there is a pressing need for rigorous scientific validation through detailed studies on its composition, safety, and pharmacological properties. Public education and the global promotion of these products are essential to showcase India's rich traditional practices and their potential contributions to modern healthcare.

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.