Clinical trials for the treatment of ascites with camel's urine

Abstract AR

Objectives: : Camel's urine has been used as a remedy in various Arab countries.

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of camel urine in treating ascities.

Methods : Thirty patients with ascites due to bilharzial portal hypertension, liver cirrhosis, and a combination of the 2 were divided into a study group (25 cases) and a control group (5 cases).

The study group was treated with a daily 150-ml oral dose of camel's urine and the control group was given furosemide 40 mg IV daily during a 2-week period.

Results: Both groups showed significant reduction of the ascites with the furosemide group showing slightly more rapid action.

Camel's urine also was found to have a laxative effect.

Four patients who continued taking camel's urine for 2 months showed a remarkable improvement with the return of the liver to normal size and texture as confirmed by function tests and ultrasonography.

These patients maintained this improvement over a follow-up period ranging from 9 to 18 months.

Conclusion : The results of this study indicate an area for future more definitive investigation.