TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PURE POTASSIUM SORBATE AND COMMERCIAL FORMULATIONS: ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY, GENOTOXICITY, AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN RODENTS

Abstract

This study evaluated the acute and subchronic toxicity of pure potassium sorbate and investigated the genotoxic, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of commercial formulations based on this preservative in rodents. The toxicity of pure potassium sorbate was assessed following OECD 425 and 407 guidelines. The commercial formulations Golden Blue, Aquafiv, and Aquativagro were evaluated through comet assays (in L929 cells) and micronucleus tests, alongside hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological examinations of the liver and kidneys. No mortality or significant body weight alterations were observed with pure potassium sorbate, indicating an oral LD50 above 1,100 mg/kg. Commercial formulations showed no genotoxic effects. However, significant reductions in erythrocyte, total leukocyte, and monocyte counts were observed, accompanied by decreased serum ALT and AST activities and increased creatinine concentrations. Histopathological analyses revealed glomerular congestion, tubular swelling, vacuolar degeneration, hepatic vascular congestion, and microvesicular steatosis. In conclusion, pure potassium sorbate exhibited low acute toxicity, while commercial formulations induced distinct hepatorenal and hematological alterations, highlighting the need for further safety assessments.