Godugdha
Godugdha is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. It is cow milk, carrying the alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta and kappa caseins, whey proteins including lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, and the A2 beta-casein found in indigenous Indian breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal.
| Substance type | Animal-derived substance, not a plant |
|---|
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Other clinical studies and reviews
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Godugdha |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Casein proteins (alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta, kappa casein)
- Whey proteins: lactoferrin (7.3%), 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, potassium, magnesium
- Vitamins A, D, B2 (riboflavin), B12
- Bioactive peptides (opioid, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory)
- Lactose and oligosaccharides
How does it work?
- Ojas enhancement: Milk contains bioactive peptides, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin, which are reported to support innate immune and antimicrobial function
- Tridosha balancing (esp. Vata-Pitta): Cooling potency and sweet taste pacify Pitta, unctuous heavy qualities ground Vata; proper processing prevents Kapha aggravation
- 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?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy): traditionally used as a rejuvenative. Modern analyses have reported that milk contains immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and growth factors.
- Insomnia and mental health (Nidrajanana): traditionally used to promote sleep and calm the mind. Milk has been reported to contain tryptophan, and casein digestion has been reported to yield opioid peptides.
- Vehicle for herbal medicines (Anupana): used in classical practice as a vehicle for herbal medicines. Research has reported that milk proteins and fats may increase the bioavailability of fat-soluble herbal compounds.
What do recent studies show?
- Jeong H, Park YS, Yoon SS 2024. A2 milk consumption and its health benefits: an update. Food science and biotechnology. PMID 38274187 · doi: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.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Fresh milk, Boiled milk, Kshirapaka (medicated milk)
Standard Dosage: 100–250 mL twice daily
Optimal Timing: Morning or evening; warm with spices (turmeric, cardamom)
Storage: Refrigerated at 4°C
Marker Compounds: Casein proteins, Whey proteins, Calcium, Lactoferrin, Immunoglobulins
Vehicle (Anupana): Most common anupana in Ayurveda; vehicle for bhasmas, Rasayanas, and Vajikarana drugs
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 2024. A2 milk consumption and its health benefits: an updateFood science and biotechnology. PMID 38274187 · doi:10.1007/s10068-023-01428-5
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.