Cow urine not safe for humans, contains harmful bacteria: India's top Animal research institute

India's premier animal research body, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), has said that the Cow urine is not suitable for human consumption as it contains harmful bacteria

As per a TOI report, the study was conducted by Bareilly-based ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). The urine samples of cows and bulls found at least 14 types of harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli bacterium, commonly associated with stomach infections in humans.

The peer-reviewed study, led by Bhoj Raj Singh along with three PhD students, has been published in online research website, Researchgate. “Statistical analysis of 73 urine samples of cows, buffaloes, and humans suggest that antibacterial activity in buffalo urine was far more superior than cows. The urine of buffalo was significantly more effective on bacteria like S Epidermidis and E Rhapontici,” Bhoj Raj told TOI.


Conflicting the common belief, Bhoj said it cannot be generalised that cow urine has anti-bacterial properties. "The common belief, that cow urine is antibacterial, can’t be generalised. In no case can urine be recommended for human consumption. Some people say that distilled urine doesn’t have infectious bacteria. We are carrying further research on it,” he added.

The cow urine is easily available sold in the Indian market, including on e-commerce websites, without the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) trademark.

Meanwhile, former director of IVRI, RS Chauhan, told TOI: “I have been researching cow urine for 25 years and we have found that distilled cow urine improves immunity of humans and helps against cancer and Covid. This particular research was not done on distilled urine samples which we recommend people to actually consume."