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URINE THERAPY AND ITS EFFECTS

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 Continental J. Biomedical Sciences 7 (1): 12
1 - 17,, 2013 ISSN: 2141 – 419X
© Wilolud Journals, 2013 http://www.wiloludjournal.com
Printed in Nigeria doi:10.5707/cjbmsci.2013.7.12.1.17
doi:10.5707/cjbmsci.2013.7.1

URINE THERAPY AND ITS EFFECTS ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS USING RATS

*1
Duru Majesty; 2Nwanekwu Kenneth; 1Ugbogu Amadike; 3Joseph Anudike; 4Amadi Chioma and 2Ujubuonu
Peter.
1
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria, 2Department of Microbiology,
Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.3Department of Environmental Health Technology, Imo State
College of Health Science Technology, Imo State, Nigeria, 4Center for Global Health and Development, College
of Public Health, University of Nebrask
Nebraskaa Medical Center, 984355 Medical Center Omaha, NE

ABSTRACT
Urine therapy and its effects on some biochemical parameters were studied. Forty male albino rats of
wistar strain separated into five groups of eight rats each were used for the study. One group served as
the control whereas the other groups were given different volumes of urine (2ml - 8ml) for 28days.
Results obtained for the studied biochemical parameters revealed that some haematological, liver and
kidney function parameters were significantly affected (p<0.05). The observed effects on haematology
and liver could be toxic. This study has shown the effects of urine therapy on some biochemical
parameters.
Keywords: Haematological parameters, kidney function, liver function, urine therapy

Received for Publication: 22/04/13 Accepted for Publication: 29/06/13

Corresponding Author: kelechukwuduru@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
The global community is faced with the challenge of combating diseases. The The two known and accepted
therapies; the medical and phyto therapies have done well in fighting these diseases (WHO, 1978). Due to
depressed economy in most countries of the world, many people can no longer meet the monetary demands of
medical therapy. The cost of phyto therapy has also been on the increase hence affecting the greater part of the
global population that depends on it. Aside these two therapeutic methods, the people on their own are
constantly looking for a cheaper source of combating diseases
diseases even when such methods are not generally
accepted and are not scientifically proven to be effective and safe. Such methods are put in practice by the
people provided they are perceived to work.

Aside the above two existing and accepted therapeutic methods,

methods, urine therapy; the act of drinking one’s own
urine for medicinal purposes, is another form of therapy that is in practice though it has not been accepted
globally as means of combating diseases (Bouaravong, 2004). As the world looks forward to the another World
Congress on Urine Therapy, many people are awaiting to see advocates of urine therapy talk about the efficacy
of the therapy against diseases. Different authors Coenet al., (1996); Martha (2000) have noted that urine is
antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral in nature. Compbell (2009) noted that stories have been told of individuals,
who have lived in trapped places without food and water for days, and survived by drinking their own urine.
Urine is helpful for acne, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, sores, fungal infections,, insect bites, snake bites,
wounds, burns, and abrasions. It is a rich source of hormones, especially DHEA, melatonin, and other sex
hormones. It is also a rich source of enzymes, vitamins such as C, B12, B6, and minerals such as potassium,
calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, phosphate, etc (Susan, 1994; Martha, 2000).It is used in cases of
cancer; fatigue; anaemia; all sorts of urinary diseases, for weight
weight-loss,
loss, colds and flu, candida, diabetes, digestive
problems, jaundice, etc (Danopoulos, 1974; Coenet al., 1996 ).

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 Duru Majestyet al.,: Continental J. Biomedical Sciences 7 (1): 12 - 17, 2013

Since the inception of the World Congress on Urine therapy, advocates of the therapy are constantly on the
increase especially in Asian, Indian and parts of African. The benefits of urine therapy according to its
advocates are numerous but there is no literature on its possible side effects. In view of this, there is need to add
knowledge to this area of the therapeutic method. Such knowledge will also help to guide those that practice the
therapy.

Sequel to this, the present study investigated the effects of urine on the haematology, kidney and liver function
using wistar albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sample collection and preparation
Urine from a male student in the Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria was used
for this study. Only fresh urine was used in this study. Within the period of this study and at interval of two
days, fresh early morning urinerine was collected with help of a closed container from the selected student and
given to test rats (urine collected was discarded after each treatment). In each case, urine collected was subjected
to analysis and confirmed as normal urine before usage. Al Alll these were done to follow the existing rules of urine
therapy.

Experimental animals and design

Forty male albino rats of wistar strain weighing between 80g -110g110g were obtained from the animal colony of
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt,
Harcourt, River State, Nigeria. The animals were housed in a
well-ventilated
ventilated experimental animal house, given pelletized commercial rat feed (Pfizer livestock Co. Ltd, Aba,
Nigeria) and tap water ad libitum.. They were left to acclimatize for six days. After ac
acclimatization
climatization period, the
rats were separated into five groups of eight rats each. Their weights were equalised as nearly as possible. Aside
the control group, the remaining groups were given some volumes of urine with normal feed and water for
twenty-eightt days. Treatments for the rats were as follows.

Control group= normal feed+ portable water; Group Ia= 2ml of urine + normal feed + portable water; Group Ib =
4ml of urine + normal feed + portable water; Group Ic= 6ml of urine + normal feed + portable water;
wat Group Id
=8ml of urine + normal feed + portable water.
All the animals were treated according to National Institute of Health (1985) guide for care and use of
laboratory animals.

Blood sample collection

The rats were sacrificed by making incisions at their cervical regions with sterile blades after being put to sleep
in a close container with help of ether. Blood was collected by direct heart puncture with help of syringes.The
blood for kidney and liver function analysis were collected into anticoagulant
anticoagulant free tubes with corks, while the
one for haematology test was collected into heparin treated tubes with corks. The tubes were appropriately
labelled and were subsequently used for analysis.

Haematological analysis: Hb and red blood cell (RBC) levels we

were
re determined using Sahli`s and Alexander and
Griffith (1993a) methods respectively. Westergreen`s method was used for erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(ESR), Counting chamber and slide methods were used for white blood cell total count (WBC) and differential
differentia
counts respectively. Haematocrit method (Jones, 1961) was used for packed cell volume (PCV) whereas, mean
corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin
concentration (MCHC), were determined as described by Alexanderand Griffith (1993b).

Serum assay
The level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined by the method of Wright et al (1972). Alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined as described by Reitman and
Frankell (1957). The assay of bilirubin both total and conjugated was carried out using the Jendrasik and Groff
(1938). Creatinine was determined as described by Heinegard and Tiderstorm (1973). Urea estimation was
carried out using Urease-Berthlot
Berthlot method. Potass
Potassium
ium ion was determined by direct spectrometric method.
Sodium ion level was detected using the methods described by following the instruction on the assay kit.

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13
 Duru Majesty et al.,: Continental J. Biomedical Sciences 7 (1): 12 - 17, 2013

Chloride and bicarbonate were determined using modified Skeggs and Hochestresser (1964) method and
Forrester et al (1976) respectively.

Statistical analysis
The statistical analysis was conducted using the Student tt-test as described by Steel and Torris (1960).

RESULTS AND DICUSSION

Table 1: Haematology result of rats given urine for 28 day.
Group
Parameter Control Ia Ib Ic Id
Hb(g/dl) 14.90±2.11 9.70±0.98* 9.64±1.32* 9.36±1.40* 9.43±1.48*
PCV (%) 38.74±1.05 26.19±1.63* 26.89±1.74* 25.27±1.26* 25.50±1.06*
WBC(103/ul) 0.50±0.17 1.61±0.52* 1.84±0.48* 1.89±.0.67* 1.97±.0.17*
Lymphocytes(%) 79.72±2.13 94.20±1.85* 96.37±2.19* 96.21±1.48* 99.19±1.05*
Monocytes(%) 1.90±0.15 10.93±1.93* 12.61±1.48* 12.90±1.34* 13.70±2.34*
Granulocytes (%) 0.01 ±0.00 8.71±1.04* 9.81±1.11* 9.94±1.08* 9.19±3.01*
MCH(pg) 16.31±1.23 15.10±1.90 15.83±1.17 15.74±1.30 15.61±1.42
MCV(fl) 48.10±2.02 45.93±2.63* 44.20±2.35* 44.82±2.26* 45.69±2.08*
MCHC(g/dl) 31.40±1.46 33.12±1.76 35.59±1.80* 35.37±1.47* 36.32±1.77*
Platelet (103/ul) 254.12±0.30 515.09±0.98* 633.21±1.03* 623.94±1.21* 628.91±1.95*
ESR(mm/hr) 4.10±0.71 5.43±1.03 5.94±1.41 5.94±1.41 5.70±1.12
Results are means and standard errors of mean (S.E.M). Values asterisked are statistically significant against the control
(p<0.05).

Different authors have noted that haematological parameters could be used to explain blood relating functions of
substances ingested into the body hence making haematological parameters diagnostic important in the routine
chemical evaluation of the state off health (Edward 1981; Dacie and Lewis,1994; Hoff brand and Pettit, 2000;
Haroonet al., 2003; Okekeet al., ., 2006). The Hb and PCV levels of test rats in the present study reduced
significantly (p<0.05) against those of the control. This could be indication that urine may affect erythropoiesis
since Hb is directed related to red blood cell levels in the body. PCV has a relationship with Hb as blood
parameters hence their reduction in test rats in this study could be due to decrease in Hb levels of test rats. The
mechanism of WBC and its components are defensive against foreign substances (Celik and Suzek, 2008).
Combined effects of the body physiology and other factors could be the cause of the observed significant
increase (p<0.05) in WBC in test rats when co compared
mpared to those of the control. Lymphocytes, monocytes and
granulocytes are components of WBC that aid in the protective work of the body system ((Keele Keeleet al., 1983).
They increased significantly (p<0.05) in test rats against the control. The observed sign
significant
ificant increase could be
due to foreign substance (urine) (Keele
Keeleet al., 1983).
). MCH, MCV and MCHC are used to predict future disease
condition in the body (Hoff brand and Pettit, 2000). MCV and MCHC were significantly affected (p<0.05). The
observed increase
se in MCHC in test rats in the present study could be indication that consumption of urine may
lead to hypochromic condition in future. MCH and ESR in test rats were insignificantly affected (p>0.05). The
work of platelets is clearly defined in blood clothing.
clothing. Their increase could be indication that urine consumption
may induce platelets production in the body. This could be behind the wound sterilization and healing ability of
urine as claimed by advocates’ of urine therapy.

Table 2: Liver function result of rats given urine for 28days.

Group
Enzyme Control Ia Ib Ic Id
AST (U/L) 22.21±1.56 26.16±0.12* 26.84±0.17* 26.39±0.10* 26.30±0.18
ALT(U/L) 33.18±0.18 35.29±1.24* 39.27±1.95* 39.49±1.38* 40.09±1.01*
ALP (U/L) 13.74±1.01 17.34±0.43* 18.52±0.93* 18.40±0.58* 8.63±0.95
Total
bilirubin(mg/dl) 6.30±0.05 6.32±0.02 6.31±0.07 6.30±0.00 6.38±0.75
Direct bilirubin(mg/dl)
2.82±0.13 2.97±0.06 3.10±0.05 3.12±0.17 3.14±0.01
Results are means and standard errors of mean (S.E.M). Values asterisked are statistically significant against the control
(p<0.05).

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14
 Duru Majesty et al.,: Continental J. Biomedical Sciences 7 (1): 12 - 17, 2013

The liver function integrity is measured with liver function parameters. Friday (2004) noted that cell-derived
cell
enzymes have high activity in cells and spill in plasma when the cells are damaged or the enzymes produced in
excess. Transaminases leak into the bloodstream when there is hepatocellular injury. AST and ALT in test rat rats
increased significantly (p<0.05) against the control in this study. Their significant increase could be due to urine
consumption. Small increase in AST and ALT might be due to wide range of liver disease (Enermoret (Enermor al.,
2005). ALP though less useful in determining
etermining hepatocellular damage than AST and ALT was also significantly
increased (p<0.05). The total and conjugated bilirubin were insignificantly affected (p>0.05) in test rats when
compared the control. This could imply that diseases linked with bilirubin
bilirubin in the body may not be possible when
urine therapy is being practiced.

Table 3: Kidney function result of rats given urine for 28 days.

Group

Parameter Control Ia Ib Ic Id
Creatinine (mg/dl)
0.71±0.03 0.80±0.01 0.91±0.02 0.92±0.01 0.96±0.05
Urea(mg/dl) 0.23±0.11 0.25±0.09 0.30±0.13 0.31±0.07 0.34±0.03
K+ (mmol/L) 22.01±0.14 27.73±0.25* 30.18±0.20* 30.94±0.53* 30.99±0.40*
Na+(mmol/L) 121.21±2.97 133.38±2.04* 139.34±2.42* 139.76±3.61* 139.76±3.61*
Cl-(mmol/L) 100.93±1.21 104.30±1.92* 107.50±1.13* 109.13±1.10* 109.81±1.92*
- * * *
HCO3 (mmol/L) 42.20±2.40 41.04±1.19 44.10±1.80 44.57±1.90 44.76±1.10*
Results are means and standard errors of mean (S.E.M). Values asterisked are statistically significant against the control
(p<0.05).

The regulation of total internal environment of the body is the sole function of the kidney (Chris, 1998; Robert
et al.,., 2003). Creatinine is a waste product of creatine metabolism in the muscle and is excreted by the kidney
(Oh, 2006). The creatinine clearance of the kidney is used as a marker for kidney failure (Oh, 2006). Decrease in
urea excretion is seen is most severe kidney diseases (Ranjna, 1999). Creatinine and urea excretion of
o the kidney
in test rats in the present study was insignificantly affected (p>0.05) in test rats against the control. The
excretion of electrolyte ions (K+, Na+, Cl-, and HCO3-) is control by aldosterone hormone (Geoffrey et al., 1995;
Robert et al., 2003). ). Their observed significant increase (p<0.05) in test rats when compared to those of the
control in the present study could be that more of them were taken through the urine given to the rats. Their
increased excretion further indicates that they are not retained in the kidney; hence it is a good sign for the
future health of the kidney (Oh, 2006):

CONCLUSION
Data obtained with animals have higher prediction value for human toxicity when translated. Rats placed on
urine in the present study had marked effects
effects especially on haematology and liver function. The implication of
this study could be that those that practice urine therapy may be exposed to these effects.

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