Ayurvedic centre claims it has cure for swine flu

Nagpur, Aug 10

An Ayurvedic research centre specializing in medicines derived from cow products and derivatives Monday claimed that its formulations can prevent and "possibly" cure swine flu and similar contagious diseases.

"Panchgavya", a formulation comprising cow milk, cow urine and cow dung as well as ghee and curd made from cow milk can prevent flu-like infections including swine flu by acting as an immuno-modulator, Meera Aurangabadkar, a senior Ayurvedic teacher associated with the Go-Vigyan Anusandhan Kendra here, told reporters.

"Various Ayurvedic medicines, particularly those prepared from cow products, have for centuries proved potent to build resistance against infectious diseases like flu. We would advise people to take the same along with modern medicines prescribed by experts," Aurangabadkar said.

She said cow urine concentrate, called "Kamdhenu Ark", could be extremely useful in protecting people against the virus and "probably" also in providing relief to those who have already caught the infection.

Tapan Chakravarty, director of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), who is closely associated with the Go-Vigyan Kendra, said both "Panchgavya" and "Kamdhenu Ark" contain volatile fatty acids and have at the same time anti-oxidant properties.

They can help reduce the virulence and multiplication of the viruses such as the one causing swine flu.

"The centre is willing to work in concert with the medical establishment engaged in combating the disease," said its director Sunil Mansinghka.