# Gomutra

> Gomutra is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. [In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Antibacterial Activity of Cow Urine Distillate (CUD)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38225974/). Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gomutra |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Water (95%)
- Urea (2.5%)
- Minerals and 24 types of salts (2.5%)
- [Enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (urokinase, creatinine)
- Hormones (erythropoietin-like factors)
- Phenolic acids, volatile organic acids
- Hippuric acid, [allantoin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#allantoin)
- Aurum hydroxide (traces in some reports)
- Carbolic acid, calcium, [manganese](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#manganese), iron

## How does it work?

- Bioenhancer activity: Increases absorption and bioavailability of co-administered drugs by modifying gut permeability and hepatic metabolism; US Patent 6,410,059 granted for bioenhancer property
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) action: Phenolic acids, volatile fatty acids, and urea create hostile environment for bacterial and fungal pathogens; direct membrane disruption confirmed in vitro
- Immunomodulation: Stimulates macrophage activity and lymphocyte proliferation, enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/): Phenolic compounds scavenge free radicals; allantoin promotes hepatocyte regeneration and wound healing

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Shodhana (purification of toxins/minerals): Validated as an effective medium for reducing heavy metal toxicity in Ayurvedic mineral preparations through chelation and chemical transformation
- Bioenhancer (Yogavahi): US Patent and multiple studies confirm cow urine distillate enhances bioavailability of antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-tubercular drugs by 2-7 fold
- Wound healing and skin diseases: Allantoin content and antimicrobial properties provide scientific basis for traditional topical applications

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Pant L, Thapa S, Dahal B and others 2024. [In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Antibacterial Activity of Cow Urine Distillate (CUD)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38225974/). *Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM*. PMID [38225974](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38225974/) · [doi:10.1155/2024/1904763](https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1904763)  
  CUD showed significant antibacterial activity against tested strains with zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 13-24 mm and MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 50 microg/ml; in silico docking confirmed binding to bacterial target [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins).

*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

- Heavy metal contamination is a significant concern; cow urine from industrially farmed cattle may contain lead, arsenic, and cadmium above safe limits
- Not recommended as sole treatment for serious conditions (cancer, diabetes) despite traditional claims; should complement evidence-based medicine
- Potential for microbial contamination if not properly distilled or processed; fresh urine must be processed within hours
- May cause gastric irritation in sensitive individuals when consumed undiluted; Ayurvedic texts recommend specific processing ([Arka](/herb/arka/)/distillate form)

## What is it made of?

### Organic Compounds

- Urea (2.5%)
- Creatinine
- Uric acid
- Hippuric acid
- Allantoin
- Phenols

### Minerals

- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Sulfur

### Enzymes

- Urokinase
- Catalase

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC, ICP-OES, GC-MS, Biochemical assays

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Fresh urine, Gomutra [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate), Gomutra [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)

**Standard Dosage:** 10–30 mL of [Arka](/herb/arka/); 5–10 mL fresh (diluted)

**Bioavailability:** Bioenhancer — increases absorption of co-administered herbs by 2–7x

**Optimal Timing:** Empty stomach, morning

**Standardized Extract:** Gomutra Arka (distillate) — standardized bioenhancer

**Shelf Life:** Fresh: use within hours; Arka: 6–12 months

**Storage:** Arka in amber glass bottles at room temperature

**Marker Compounds:** Urea, Creatinine, Phenols, Hippuric acid, Allantoin

**Quality Parameters:** Specific gravity 1.025–1.045, pH 7.5–8.5, no pathogenic organisms

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Bioenhancer for hepatoprotective and anticancer formulations

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

## 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.