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Panchgavya therapy (Cowpathy) in safeguarding health of animals and humans – A review
Abstract
All the living creatures on the earth are made up of the five elements of nature, i.e. the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space which are all together called as Panchabhootas and their health is affected by Tridoshas, viz., Vadha (air), Pitha (fire) and Kapha (Phlegm). The use of cow derived products has been mentioned in the Vedas and various researchers and scientists have found them to be rich source of essential elements as well as minerals and hormones. For this reason the use of Panchgavya (term used to describe five major substances obtained from cow that include: cow's urine, milk, ghee, curd and dung) and its products is gaining popularity. Panchgavya Therapy/Chikitsa (Cowpathy) has been proposed as an alternate prophylactic and therapeutic approach for sound livestock and poultry health along with safeguarding human health. Its antimicrobial properties have gained the attention of the medical and veterinary professionals. Copper is capable of destroying diseases and comprehensively act as an antidote; plays role in immune enhancement; capable of removing all the ill effects and imbalances in the body and requires special mention in the treatment of diabetes and cancer; in case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and as an antifungal agent. Cow urine concoction (CUC) is having anticonvulsant and hypoglycemic effects; and useful against liver disorders and fever; inflammations and anemia. Cow milk is considered as a healthy food and is found to be effective in curing fever and pain; tumors; diabetes; kidney disorders and weaknesses and importantly act as a medium to administer medicine. Milk has also got fungicidal properties; when used with leaves of medicinal herbs possess aphrodisiac property and milk fat has anticancer activities. Milk products viz. toned and skimmed milk; lassi, yoghurt, cottage cheese and khoa possess essential medicinal properties. Curd (dahi) is a blood purifier, and found useful in blood related problems; piles and gastro-intestinal disorders. Cow ghee has immunostimulatory properties. The application of cow dung to kill the germs of malaria and tuberculosis along with its antifungal properties require special mention. This review deals with all these versatile qualities of the components of panchgavya for safeguarding health of animals and humans.
... The Bos indicus (Indian) cow is known as kamadhenu (divine bovine-goddess/cow of plenty), signifying its nourishing nature, similar to a mother. According to the Indian scripture, The Indian sage maharshi vashistha served the divine kamadhenu cow, and Indian sage maharshi dhanavantari offered a wonderful medicine pancagavya to humanity [22]. Many formulations mentioned in Ayurveda describe the use of pancagavya components either as a single ingredient or in combination with drugs of herbal, animal, or mineral origin [21]. ...
... It contains the low calorific value and less cholesterol. It is a good animator for human health, easily digestible, and it also plays a bioprotective role [22]. ...
... These indicate that the PD group have an opportunity for a better life-style, which comprises physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The pancagavya have much application like in treating many diseases and to increase the body resistance to fight diseases medicines prepared from panchagavya are effective [22], therapeutic benefits of cow urine in managing cancer [27], practical application of pancagavyha products in the field of agriculture, to rejuvenate the soil health [24], based on the synergistic and systematic harnessing of energies from cows, plants, and earth [22], pancagavya ghrita, is also one of the formulations mentioned in Ayurveda which is prepared with all five components of panchagavya viz cow milk, ghee, urine, dung and curd in equal proportions useful for rejuvenation [21]. As the side effects of antibiotic medicine have harmful, one need to look into new therapeutic approach like panchagavya to remove diseases and to control infections. ...
Background: Diseases negatively affect people's work performance, joy in life, emotional and physical health, quality of life, and spiritual well-being. The pancagavya (five cow derivatives) diet based on the consumption of five cow derivatives like milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung from Bos indicus cow not only helps to provide physical health but also useful in other aspects of life. Objective: To study the biochemical and anthropometric variables among the pancagavya diet population. Materials and method: Both male and female sample size 80 with an age range between 20 to 80 years were recruited from different states of India. The current study is between the pancagavya diet and non-pancagavya diet groups and had more than two years in their diet. Result: Pancagavya diet group had significantly less random blood glucose levels and had no change in hemoglobin level compared to the non-pancagavya diet group. Pancagavya diet group have more bhramari (humming honey bee sound produced at the back of the throat during the practice time) and respiratory rate with exponential significance, less pulse rate with highly significant, and was having lesser blood pressure compared to the non-pancagavya diet group. Conclusion: In the biochemical and anthropometric variables studied pancagavya diet group had a better healthy lifestyle compared to the non-pacagavya diet group.
... 1 Additionally, urine from the Deoni breed has shown hepatoprotective and wound-healing properties. 2 positively, offering protection against conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and infections. 5 This connection between plant-based diets and the pharmacological activities of urine highlights the potential of cow urine in medical treatments. ...
... To address this gap the Ministry of Science and Technology under the Government of India has introduced a national initiative called the Scientific Validation and Research on Panchagavya (SVAROP) program. Tahis program's primary objective is to scientifically validate the efficacy, safety, and attributes of panchagavya products the program involves comprehensive studies that explore the activity, effectiveness, safety profile, toxicity and public acceptance of both panchagavya and other products derived from cows [5][6][7][8][9][10]. The current review focused on examining the composition of each panchagavya product along with its potential health benefits and medicinal properties all of which are analyzed based on the existing scientific evidence available [11]. ...
Panchagavya, a traditional organic formulation derived from cow products, has gained recognition for its potential agricultural benefits. This review paper focuses on the influence of panchagavya application on ecosystem dynamics, focusing on soil health, plant growth, and microbial communities. Panchagavya, an ancient agricultural practice rooted in Indian traditions, has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its potential to revolutionize modern farming. Comprising five key ingredients sourced from cows-milk, curd, ghee, cow urine, and cow dung- panchagavya is hailed as a holistic approach to agriculture that not only enhances crop yields but also promotes environmental sustainability and animal welfare. The composition of panchagavya is simple yet potent. The five ingredients are carefully mixed and allowed to ferment, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms are a key component of panchagavya's efficacy, as they play a pivotal role in soil enrichment and plant health. Panchagavya has many health benefits also as all elements used in it responds individually in various diseases. This review provides an information on effect of panchagavya on plant growth and soil fertility in different crops.
Agriculture and Food Science Book series aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to publish their experiences and research results on all aspects of Agriculture and Food Science. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Agriculture and Food Science. High quality research contributions describing original and unpublished results of conceptual, constructive, empirical, experimental, or theoretical work in all areas of Agriculture and Food Science are cordially invited for publication.
Panchgavya is also known as Cowpathy in Ayurveda. In India, the cow is revered as a goddess known as "Gaumata" because of its nurturing qualities similar to those of a mother. Almost no adverse effects are associated with using Panchgavya, which is why it is recommended in Ayurveda for treating disorders affecting numerous body systems. Panchgavya' has been derived from two words, 'Panch' meaning five and 'gavya' meaning obtained from 'Gau' means cow. The word Panchagavya originated from Sanskrit which means the combination of five products (Milk, Curd, Ghee, Urine and Dung) obtained from cow. Cow milk is widely regarded as a nutritious diet and can prevent the growth of microorganisms, has erotic qualities when combined with the leaves of medicinal herbs, and the fat in milk has anticancer characteristics. Curd (dahi) is recommended as a blood purifier for conditions such as hemorrhoids, piles, and gastrointestinal issues. Ghee made from cows has been shown to boost immunity. It is important to highlight the use of cow dung as an antifungal and for treating malaria and tuberculosis. Cow urine is a powerful remedy for numerous medical conditions, including but not limited to epileptic convulsions, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammation, fever, and anaemia.
High quality research contributions describing original and unpublished results of conceptual, constructive, empirical, experimental, or theoretical work in all areas of Agriculture and Food Science
Biotechnology is one of the emerging fields that can add new and better application in a wide range of sectors like health care, service sector, agriculture, and processing industry to name some. This book will provide an excellent opportunity to focus on recent developments in the frontier areas of Biotechnology and establish new collaborations in these areas. The book will highlight multidisciplinary perspectives to interested biotechnologists, microbiologists, pharmaceutical experts, bioprocess engineers, agronomists, medical professionals, sustainability researchers and academicians.The content of the book is as follows
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of skill development training programs on the promotion of backyard poultry farming practices in the arid regions of Rajasthan. Data were collected from 120 respondents through a meticulously designed interview schedule and questionnaire. The findings revealed a significant positive impact on various aspects of poultry farming. Notably, 99% of respondents demonstrated an uptake in the timely treatment of sick birds, while 98% adopted practices such as feed formulation at the household level, culling and selection, use of antibiotics, rearing of quality birds, and consulting veterinary doctors. Additionally, 97% of respondents incorporated feed supplements into their practices, and a similar percentage (97%) ensured appropriate feed provision based on the age of the birds. These results underscore the effectiveness of skill development training programs in enhancing the adoption of best practices in backyard poultry farming within the challenging arid environment of Rajasthan. The analysis of the collected data further revealed a consistent adoption index across various aspects of backyard poultry farming practices. Specifically, a noteworthy adoption rate of 92% was observed for the segregation of diseased birds, record-keeping, and de-beaking. However, a slightly lower adoption rate of 88% was noted for feed supplement usage. The data indicated that the maximum gain in adoption was observed in the practice of consulting veterinary doctors, with an impressive rate of 85%. Following closely were the practices of segregating diseased birds (84%), feed formulation at the household level, and rearing of quality birds (82%). Additionally, high adoption rates were observed for record-keeping (81%) and feed supplement use (79%). Post-mortem examinations conducted by veterinary doctors on deceased birds also showed a substantial adoption rate of 77%. It is noteworthy that while the majority of practices demonstrated significant gains, culling exhibited a comparatively lower adoption rate of 53%. This suggests that there may be factors influencing the reluctance or challenges associated with the implementation of culling practices among the respondents. Overall, the findings underscore the positive impact of the training programs on the farmers' knowledge enhancement and their familiarity with advanced poultry farming technologies. The consistent adoption across multiple practices highlights the effectiveness of the training in empowering farmers to incorporate improved techniques into their backyard poultry farming endeavors.
Modern farming systems affect soil health and biodiversity due to the excessive and indiscriminate use of fertilisers, leading to a reduction in soil enzymatic activities, especially mineralising enzymes. It has emphasised the importance of developing long-term, eco-friendly, and environmentally sound alternative agricultural approaches. Organic and natural farming is based on the use of indigenous fermentation technologies, like bioformulations based on cow dung and liquid manures. Cow dung is an essential and integral component of all these preparations and serves as a source of inoculum for beneficial microorganisms. As cow dung harbours beneficial microflora, bioformulations prepared from the products of indigenous cows can offer eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to soil inoculants and biopesticides. The use of these bioformulations prepared from cow dung is gaining popularity among farmers practicing organic and natural farming to fight against the adverse effects of chemical fertilisers and pesticides without knowing their dosage and time of application, etc. This review is an attempt to collect all the scientific research findings that support the importance of cow dung microflora, cow urine, genomics of cow dung microflora using metagenomics approach, preparations of different bioformulations and their role in plant growth-promoting activity, antimicrobial activity, role in biotic and abiotic stress, and the uses of cow dung in biogas production and in industries which are not covered and fully discussed in previous reviews of organic and natural farming. The major points of review are as follows: (1) Organic and natural farming systems are often associated with traditional or indigenous agricultural practices using cow dung and cow urine as main components to increase soil fertility and microbial diversity. (2) Cow dung has a wide diversity of microorganisms, which help in plant growth, yield, and protection from potential pathogens. (3) Cow dung is a cheap, eco-friendly, and organic source of fertiliser that is being explored for possible other uses. That is why it would not be wrong to conclude cow dung is a “potential unexplored mine of usefulness”.
Gomutra (cow ghee), gomaya (cow dung), ksheera (cow milk), dadhi (cow curd) and sarpi (cow ghee) cumulatively known as Panchagavya. In India, the cow is worshipped as mother and commonly known as ‘Gaumata’. The ratio of ksheera, dadhi, ghrita, gomutra and gomaya is 16:10:8:2:1 according to Shastra yoga, and in Rastargini, it is 1:1:1:1:1 in panchagavya. panchagavya holds traditional as well as ritual values in human life. Each component of panchagavya also has medicinal properties individually. To assess the role of panchagavya and its therapeutic benefits in our day-to-day life and health and to untapped hidden areas mentioned about panchagavya in Ayurveda. Different Ayurvedic classical textbooks, research papers and journals were referred to. After a review of many Ayurvedic literatures and other data sources, the importance of panchagavya was seen. In Ayurveda, panchagavya has a great role in GIT and skin disorders. Panchagavya is also used in havan karma, which also purifies the environment and devotees. Panchagavya products serve irreplaceable medicinal importance in Ayurveda. It is also used in traditional Hindu rituals. During a pandemic, the importance of panchagavya was noticeable. In Ayurveda, there are many Ayurvedic formulations where gomutra and sarpi are used. For example, gomutra is used as bhavana dravya in Sanjeevani vati.
The ancient ayurvedic literature including Vir Charak Samhita, Sushrut and Gad Nigrah suggests a number of pharmacological applications of the substances obtained from Panchgavya. Panchgavya (PG) is combination of five major substances obtained from cow that includes cow dung, urine, milk, curd and ghee. All these five products of PG have been claimed to possess medicinal properties against several disorders such as renal disorders, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, immunosuppression and stress. In the present study PG obtained from CCRAS, New Delhi was evaluated for central actions in albino rats. PG was administered orally at the dose rate of 50 mg per rat for 30 consecutive days. The experiment was designed in different groups of rats consisting six rats in each group including control and various treatments. The central actions of PG was determined on Spontaneous Motor Activity, muscle tone and pain by actophotometer, rota rota rod test and hot plate method respectively in rats.
The wound healing activity of cow urine was studied in Wistar albino rats. The efficacy of wound healing property was evaluated by excision wound model. The parameter studied was the rate of wound contraction. The studies on excision wound healing revealed that all the groups showed decreased wound area from day to day. On day 4th, the external application of urine showed significant increase in wound healing in male and female rats compared to all other groups. However, on 14th post wounding day, Group I and VIII animals showed 0 % and 0.40.4 % of healing was left, which may be due to normal immunity of the animals. Where as nitrofurazone treated animals showed 0 % and 0.50.3 % healing .The study revealed that the cow urine on external application to the wound, hastened the wound healing process.
Aim: Breast-feeding is generally accepted as the optimal method of feeding infants. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the antifungal effect of human milk with infant formula and cow's milk. Materials and Methods: Eighty Sabouraud agar petri dishes were separated into eight groups. All petri dish lids were closed and incubated, after 15 minutes uncovered. The first group was used to detect the fungal flora of the environmental air. The second group was rubbed with human milk. The third group was rubbed with 0.9% NaCl solution. Fourth group was rubbed with cow's milk. Fifth, 6, 7 and 8. groups were rubbed with probiotic formula, prebiotic formula, pro-prebiotic formula and standard infant formula respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS. Results: The number of fungal colonies grown in human milk-rubbed dishes was significantly less than the other groups except group 7 (groups 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P > 0.05, P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: In vitro antifungal effect of human milk is significantly superior than cow's milk and formulas tested. Human milk is not only the best food for infants but also it protects infants from fungal infections and fungal allergies by means of antifungal effect. Prebiotic and pre-probiotic formula also have antifungal effect.
The wound healing activity of cow urine was studied in Wistar albino rats. The efficacy of wound healing property was evaluated by excision wound model. The parameter studied was the rate of wound contraction. The studies on excision wound healing revealed that all the groups showed decreased wound area from day to day. On day 4th, the external application of urine showed significant increase in wound healing in male and female rats compared to all other groups. However, on 14th post wounding day, Group I and VIII animals showed 0 % and 0.40.4 % of healing was left, which may be due to normal immunity of the animals. Where as nitrofurazone treated animals showed 0 % and 0.50.3 % healing. The study revealed that the cow urine on external application to the wound, hastened the wound healing process.
