Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) have identified bioactive compounds in Ayurvedic cow urine distillate, commonly known as Gau Mutra Ark, that demonstrated significant antiviral activity against the Chikungunya virus in laboratory experiments.
The study, led by Shailly Tomar and her team from IIT Roorkee’s Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, found that cow urine distillate reduced Chikungunya viral levels by more than 90 per cent at safe concentrations.
Researchers reported even stronger results when the distillate was combined with thymoquinone, a compound derived from Nigella sativa, and piperine from black pepper. The optimised natural formulation achieved a 99.85 per cent reduction in viral load under laboratory conditions.
The findings were published in the scientific journal ACS Agricultural Science & Technology and involved collaboration between IIT Roorkee and researchers from Ayurveda and biomedical institutions across India.
Using a combination of virology, metabolomics, molecular docking and biochemical analyses, the research team identified benzoic acid, hippuric acid and oleic acid as key compounds contributing to the observed antiviral activity.
According to the researchers, these compounds appear to interfere with critical viral proteins involved in replication, suggesting they could serve as candidates for future antiviral drug development.
Kamal Kishore Pant said the research demonstrated the value of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches.
“Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases demand innovative, affordable, and scientifically validated solutions,” Professor Pant said.
“This research exemplifies IIT Roorkee’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary science that bridges traditional knowledge systems with modern biotechnology to address pressing global health challenges.”
Professor Tomar said the findings provided a foundation for future research into natural antiviral therapies.
“Our research not only identifies specific bioactive molecules in Ayurvedic Gau Mutra Ark responsible for antiviral activity but also demonstrates the power of synergistic natural formulations,” she said.
“Further pre-clinical and translational studies will be essential to evaluate their therapeutic applicability.”
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. It can cause high fever, severe joint pain and, in some cases, long-term health complications. Despite its growing global burden, treatment options remain limited.
The IIT Roorkee team stressed that the findings are based on laboratory studies and that further pre-clinical and clinical research will be required before any potential therapeutic application in humans can be established.
The research was supported by India’s Ministry of AYUSH and highlights growing scientific interest in exploring natural bioactive compounds for future healthcare solutions.
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