The latest research conducted by the prestigious Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) has revealed that fresh cow urine contains harmful bacteria, making it unsuitable for human consumption. The study, which was peer-reviewed and conducted on urine samples from cows and bulls, identified at least 14 types of harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli, a bacterium commonly associated with stomach infections in humans.

Bhoj Raj Singh, who led the study and heads the epidemiology department at the institute, shared that the statistical analysis of 73 urine samples from cows, buffaloes, and humans suggested that the antibacterial activity in buffalo urine was far superior to that of cows. Buffalo urine was found to be significantly more effective against bacteria such as S. Epidermidis and E. Rhapontici, as stated by Singh in an interview with the Times of India.

The research was conducted between June 2022 and November 2022 on three types of cows, namely Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Vindavani (a crossbreed), sourced from local dairy farms. Samples from humans and buffaloes were also included in the study. Singh further noted that a notable proportion of urine samples from apparently healthy individuals carried potentially pathogenic bacteria.

While acknowledging that there is a widespread belief that distilled cow urine, as opposed to fresh cow urine, lacks infectious bacteria, Singh mentioned that research on this aspect is ongoing. However, he cautioned against generalizing that cow urine possesses antibacterial properties.

The significance of this research and its findings lies in the widespread sale of cow urine (commonly known as gau mutra) in India as a cure for various ailments, without the requirement of trademark certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The sale and consumption of cow urine remain largely unregulated, and such products gain legitimacy due to the religious sanctity accorded to cows and their products in Hindu culture. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, some BJP leaders, even claimed that cow urine can prevent coronavirus. Some Hindutva outfits even organized cow urine-drinking events during the pandemic, purportedly to ward off the virus.