Days after facing backlash for praising the medicinal properties of cow urine (gaumutra) during a cultural event, IIT-Madras director Prof. V. Kamakoti defended his stance on Monday by sharing international research papers that he claims validate the anti-infective benefits of cow urine.
Addressing the media, Kamakoti, who is also an organic farmer, asserted that his remarks were made in the context of advocating organic farming and promoting indigenous cattle breeds. The comments were delivered at a gaushala (cow shelter) event on Mattu Pongal, a day within the Pongal festival that celebrates the contribution of cattle to agriculture in Tamil culture.
“The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of cow urine have been scientifically demonstrated. Journals of international repute, including Nature, have published studies reinforcing these claims,” Kamakoti claimed, while sharing copies of several research papers.
One of the studies highlighted by the director, published in Nature, is titled ‘Peptide Profiling in Cow Urine Reveals Molecular Signature of Physiology-Driven Pathways and In-Silico Predicted Bioactive Properties.’ Other references included:
- Use of Bioactive Fraction from Cow Urine Distillate as a Bio Enhancer of Anti-Infective, Anti-Cancer Agents and Nutrients (published as a US patent),
- Chemotherapeutic Potential of Cow Urine: A Review (Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology),
- Review of Gaumutra (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research), and
- Benefits of Cow Urine: A Review (International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research).
Kamakoti also acknowledged that a portion of his speech, delivered in Tamil and focusing on the use of cow urine for treating irritable bowel syndrome, was circulating online. He claimed that his statements were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
The comments sparked controversy, with experts questioning the scientific merit of Kamakoti’s claims and the implications of such statements from the head of a premier institution. Dravidar Kazhagam, Vice-President Kali Poongundran, reacting to his comment, argued that such remarks lend credibility to unverified traditional practices.
However, Kamakoti linked his remarks to broader discussions on organic farming, emphasizing the pivotal role of indigenous cattle in sustainable agriculture and the economy. “Promoting native breeds and traditional farming practices is not only vital for health but also for ecological balance,” he added.
When questioned about studies highlighting potential harmful effects of cow urine, Kamakoti admitted to being unaware of such research but emphasized the need for further exploration. “Research on indigenous cattle breeds and traditional medicine is growing, and I believe more scholars will investigate this area,” he said
