IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF COW URINE-A POTENTIAL NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT

Due to increased prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents, there is a need to search new antimicrobial agents. Since ancient times the use of cow urine for various purposes including worm infestations, wound healing, etc. has been advocated. The present study was undertaken to assess the antimicrobial activity of cow urine, compare it to the effect of standard antibiotics and further to isolate biologically active fraction. In the present study fresh cow urine (of indigenous breed - Geer variety of Bos indicus) has been fractionated and antimicrobial assay of the fractions is carried out. One of the fractions revealed marked inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Antifungal activity of the isolated active fraction is comparable or better than that of amphotericin B 50 μg indicating its potential as a natural antifungal agent. Cow urine has great potential as a natural antimicrobial agent and further studies to isolate the active compound/compounds are necessary.