# Godugdha

> Godugdha is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. [A2 milk consumption and its health benefits: an update](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38274187/). Food science and biotechnology. 2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Godugdha |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Casein [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) (alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta, kappa casein)
- Whey proteins: [lactoferrin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lactoferrin) (7.3%), [immunoglobulins](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#immunoglobulins) (17.1%), beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin
- A2 beta-casein (in indigenous Indian breeds like Gir, Sahiwal)
- Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
- Calcium, [phosphorus](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phosphorus), [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium), [magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium)
- [Vitamins](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitamins) A, D, B2 ([riboflavin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#riboflavin)), B12
- Bioactive [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides) (opioid, [antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive), [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/))
- Lactose and oligosaccharides

## How does it work?

- Ojas enhancement: Rich bioactive peptides, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin strengthen innate immunity and provide [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) defense
- Tridosha balancing (esp. Vata-Pitta): Cooling potency and sweet taste pacify Pitta, unctuous heavy qualities ground Vata; proper processing prevents Kapha aggravation
- [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation): Complete amino acid profile, calcium, and growth factors support tissue regeneration and dhatu nourishment across all seven tissues
- Shodhana (detoxification) vehicle: Polar and non-polar dissolving capacity enables effective toxin extraction in Ayurvedic purification processes

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy): Confirmed by modern evidence of immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, and growth factor content supporting tissue repair and immune function
- Insomnia and mental health (Nidrajanana): Tryptophan content and opioid peptides from casein digestion validated as promoting sleep and calming the nervous system
- Vehicle for herbal medicines (Anupana): Scientific evidence supports that milk proteins and fats enhance bioavailability of lipophilic herbal compounds

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Jeong H, Park YS, Yoon SS 2024. [A2 milk consumption and its health benefits: an update](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38274187/). *Food science and biotechnology*. PMID [38274187](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38274187/) · [doi:10.1007/s10068-023-01428-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-023-01428-5)  
  A2 milk (from indigenous cow breeds) avoids BCM-7 production during digestion, reducing gastrointestinal discomfort, systemic inflammation, and potentially lowering risk of type-1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared to A1 milk.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- A1 beta-casein milk (from Holstein-Friesian breeds) may release BCM-7, linked to gastrointestinal inflammation, exacerbation of lactose intolerance symptoms, and potential cardiovascular risks
- Lactose intolerance affects 60-70% of the global adult population; raw milk consumption carries risk of Brucella, Salmonella, and E. coli infections
- Modern adulteration with hormones (rBST), antibiotics, and pesticides is a significant safety concern; organic and indigenous breed milk recommended

## What is it made of?

### Nutritional Profile

- **Protein:** 3.3g/100ml (casein + whey)
- **Fat:** 3.6g/100ml
- **Lactose:** 4.8g/100ml
- **Calcium:** 120mg/100ml
- **Phosphorus:** 93mg/100ml
- **Vitamin B12:** 0.45μg/100ml
- **Vitamin D:** 40 IU/100ml (if fortified)

**Analytical Methods:** AOAC methods, HPLC, ICP-OES

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Fresh milk, Boiled milk, Kshirapaka (medicated milk)

**Standard Dosage:** 100–250 mL twice daily

**Bioavailability:** High; contains A1 and A2 casein variants; A2 preferred in Ayurveda

**Optimal Timing:** Morning or evening; warm with spices ([turmeric](/herb/turmeric/), cardamom)

**Standardized Extract:** N/A — whole food vehicle

**Shelf Life:** Fresh: 24–48 hours refrigerated; boiled: 48–72 hours

**Storage:** Refrigerated at 4°C

**Marker Compounds:** Casein proteins, Whey proteins, Calcium, Lactoferrin, Immunoglobulins

**Quality Parameters:** Fat >3.5%, SNF >8.5%, bacterial count <2×10^5/mL, no adulteration

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Most common anupana in Ayurveda; vehicle for bhasmas, Rasayanas, and [Vajikarana](/glossary/pharmacology/#vajikarana) drugs

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/godugdha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.