Vanadyl(IV) sulfate describes a collection of inorganic compounds of vanadium with the formula. This hygroscopic blue solid is one of the most common sources of vanadium in the laboratory, reflecting its high stability.
Vanadyl sulfate is a mineral used to treat insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes. Evidence shows vanadyl sulfate works similar to insulin in lowering blood sugar levels. Vanadyl sulfate also improves the performance of insulin within the body.
Vanadyl sulfate is most commonly obtained by reduction of vanadium pentoxide with sulfur dioxide: V2O5 + 7 H2O + SO2 + H2SO4 → 2 [V(O)(H2O)4]SO. From aqueous solution, the salt crystallizes as the pentahydrate, the fifth water is not bound to the metal in the solid.
Vanadyl sulfate has recently been reported to reduce blood pressure in rat models of hypertension and diabetes (63), but we failed to see a clinically significant effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure.