Acute toxicity of sodium formononetin-3′-sulphonate (Sul-F) in Sprague-Dawley rats and Beagle dogs

Sodium formononetin-3′-sulphonate (Sul-F, C16H12O7SNa), a water-soluble derivate of formononetin, provided significant neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate acute toxicity of Sul-F after intravenous administration in rats and dogs. Animals were intravenously administered Sul-F at the maximum dosage of 2000 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg in rats and dogs, respectively. After treatment, rats and dogs were monitored for 14 days. Body weight, clinical signs, the hematological and biochemical findings, and pathological examination were performed. The results showed that no Sul-F related clinical signs of toxicity or mortality were observed in rats. Of note, the transient vomiting was found in dogs after Sul-F administration 15-20 min. In addition, a white crystal, non-metabolic Sul-F, was found after urine volatilization in Sul-F treated animals (rats and dogs). However, neither biochemical findings nor histopathological changes due to Sul-F treatment were found in tests. In summary, the present study results provided practical guidance for selecting a safe dosage for Sul-F further studies and clinical trials in the future.