Panchagavya is a classic collective name of five products obtained from cow viz milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung. Cow urine is ingredient of several Ayurvedic formulations and also used as adjuvant with medicinal formulations and for pharmaceutical processing called Shodhana (Purification) and Bhavana (Triturition) of medicinal materials.

Panchagavya and its ingredients are part of the course curricula of Ayurvedic studies at degree and post-graduation levels. Opportunities of postgraduate and postdoctoral research as well as extramural research on Panchagavya are available to the interested scholars and scientists.

Medicines made from Cow’s products falling within the purview of Section 3(a) and Section (h) of drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 are regulated as in the case of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines. The licensing and quality control provisions for such medicines are prescribed in the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 and the standards are given in the Pharmacopeia. Details of cow shelter houses and other agencies engaged in the activities related to cow’s products are not maintained by the Ministry of AYUSH since the enforcement of the relevant legal provisions is done by the state authorities.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri ShripadYesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.