20877. Misbranding of Sulphoradion.    V. S. v. 67 Bottles of Sulphoradion. 
Default   decree   of   condemnation,   forfeiture,   and   destruction.
(F. & D. no. 30002.    Sample nos. 21688-A, 21689-A, 21690-A.)
Examination of the drug preparation Sulphoradion disclosed that it con- 
tained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing 
certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed on the bottle and carton labels.
On March 27, 1933, the United States attorney for the District of New Jersey, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the district 
court of the United States a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 67 
bottles of Sulphoradion at Newark, N.J., alleging' that the article had been 
shipped in interstate commerce, on or about January 17, 1933, by the G. Sallusto. 
Co., from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Newark, N.J., and charging misbranding in violation 
of the Food and Drugs Act as amended. The article was labeled in part: 
" Sulphoradion   *    *    *   Prepared by The Sulphoradion Co., Brooklyn, N.Y."
Analysis of a sample of the article by this Department showed that it 
consisted essentially of a thiocyanate such as sodium thiocyanate (3 grams 
per 100 milliliters), an iodide such as potassium iodide (2.7 grams per 100 
milliliters), a nitrite such as sodium nitrite (0.2 gram per 100 milliliters), 
flavoring material, sugar, and water.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the follow- 
ing statements regarding the curative or therapeutic effects of the article were 
false and fraudulent: (Bottle) "Sulphoradion * * * for High Blood Pres- 
sure Directions: One teaspoonful diluted in a half glass of water 3 times 
a day (one every five hours) until blood pressure is reduced to its optimal level. 
The dose is gradually reduced until the quantity required for maintenance is 
determined. This may be as low as one teaspoonful on alternate days. * * * 
Important: Observe Diet Suggested by Your Physician During and after Treat- 
ment to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure"; (carton) " Sulphoradion for High 
Blood Pressure * * * Directions: One teaspoonful in % glass of water 
3 times a day (one every five hours until blood pressure is reduced to its optimal 1 
level. The dose is gradually reduced until the quantity required for mainte- 
nance is determined. This may be as low as one teaspoonful on alternate 
days. * * * To the Physician: * * * is especially recommended in the 
treatment of Hypertention and may be classed as a specific. Sulphoradion 
causes a fall in the blood pressure, especially in the systolic with usually no 
Change In The Rate Of the Heart This fall will occur when the pressure is 
normal as well as when abnormally high. The best results are obtained in 
cases of ' Essential Hyperpiesis.' In patients showing much Kidney damage or 
arterio-sclerosis the effect is least evident but usually occurs to some extent. 
Dosage—Given in doses of one teaspoonful diluted in % glass of water 3 times 
daily ' Sulphoradion' will cause a significant fall in blood pressure after 4 to 8 
days treatment. The systolic pressure is especially affected. Also the unpleas- 
ant symptoms associated with Hypertention such as headaches, nervousness and 
insomnia tend to be relieved, due in part to the sedative action of the drug in 
addition to the decrease in blood pressure. When the blood pressure is reduced 
to its optimal level the dose is gradually reduced until the quantity required for 
maintenance is determined. This may be as low as one teaspoonful on alter- 
nate days."
On April 24, 1933, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment 
of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court 
that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
R. G. TTJGWELL, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.