Experimental ‘<i>in-Vitro</i>’ investigation on bio-chemical constituents, radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay of cow urine

Abstract Cow urine (CU) – a natural bio-organic waste product with immense medicinal value has been traditionally used by human beings for centuries. Researchers have reported the multi-purpose usage of CU in various sectors such as agriculture, medical, emulsified diesel fuel, and electricity generation. The beneficial effect of CU is mainly attributed to its composition which depends on multiple factors such as dietary habit, demography, breed type etc. The CU consists of many useful elements and enzymes which are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and well-being of human society. In spite of its limited benefits, there is still a lack of knowledge on the scientific usage of CU. In this investigation, antioxidant, scavenging activity, and reducing power assay of CU from adult, pregnant, lactating cow and its calf are assessed. The quantity of bio-chemical constituents in CU of adult, pregnant, lactating cow, and calf varied significantly. The concentration of urea, urea nitrogen, uric acid, calcium and creatinine was high in pregnant CU raw sample. Whereas, the amount of sodium and chlorine were high in lactating CU sample. Total phenol concentration was found to be high in adult CU raw sample, followed by calf and pregnant CU raw samples, which is responsible for the antimicrobial activity. Results show highest potent antioxidant activity on the inhibition of DPPH, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, hydroxyl free radicals, and better reducing ability in lactating CU raw sample as compared to other CU samples. In general, the raw CU sample showed better radical scavenging activity whereas distilled CU samples have better Fe 3+ reducing power assay.