In order to promote the use of for its anti-cancer and anti-infective properties in ayurvedic medicines the government has undertaken several research and academic activities, the government informed Lok Sabha said.

"Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through its constituent laboratories has conducted research studies in collaboration with Go-Vigyan Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur, on distillate for its antioxidant and bio-enhancing properties on anti-infective and anti-cancer agents and nutrients," MoS for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik said.

A pharmaceutical product containing distillate with anti-oxidant property is available in the market and that four US patents have been secured since 2002, he said.

The statement explained how cow urine is used commonly in ayurvedic medicines.

"Panchagavya is a classic collective name of five products obtained from cow viz milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung. Cow urine is an 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," Naik said.

This is also a part, of course, curricula at Ayurvedic institutes and a topic of several research studies.

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

For regulatory purposes, the licensing and quality control provisions for medicines made from cow's products are prescribed in the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945, the minister added.