Beneficial effect of cow urine on stem cell differentiation, senescence, oxidative stress and angiogenesis in chick yolk sac model

Background

Cow urine has been utilized in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as wounds, oxidative stress, and the management of various metabolic disorders with limited toxicity. However, there is a scarcity of scientific evidence confirming its exact mode of action.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to examine the mode of action of cow urine, also known as "Gomutra", focusing on its effect on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and chick yolk sac membrane (YSM) models.

Material and methods

DPSCs were isolated and characterised using a flow analyser, and used to assess the cytotoxicity, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential, anti-aging activity, anti-oxidative nature. Angiogenic potential was evaluated by YSM model.

Results

DPSCs showed fibroblast-like morphology and expressed mesenhymal stem cell markers viz., CD73, CD90, and CD105, and lacked expression of CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. Our findings indicated that cow urine showed no toxicity at 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 and 25% concentrations and promoted osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs compared to standard controls. Additionally, cow urine effectively reduced oxidative stress and delayed cellular senescence in DPSCs, suggesting its anti-aging potential. Further, the study evidenced cow urine's angiogenic activity through YSM model.

Conclusion

This study provides substantial evidence for the non-toxic nature of cow urine. Our data demonstrates bone and cartilage regeneration, ant-aging, angiogenic and anti-oxidative nature of cow urine indicating its therapeutic value.