Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), a naturally occurring phenolic compound, possesses well-known preventive activity in breast and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and postmenopausal problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution and dose-dependent absorption, metabolism, and excretion of genistein in rats. Genistein was orally administered to rats at different doses. At various time intervals, blood, bile, and urine samples were collected and incubated with glucuronidase to hydrolyze the glucuronidated genistein. Genistein was detected by HPLC. High levels of glucuronidated genistein were detected in the plasma, bile, and urine after genistein administration. When genistein was administered to rats at 6.25, 12.5, and 50 mg x kg (-1) doses, the AUC (0- t) values for genistein were 23.5, 80.9, and 177.9 mg x min x L (-1); the oral absolute bioavailabilities were 21.9, 33.5, and 19.0%; the AUC (0- t) values of glucuronidated genistein were 173.8, 470.7, and 1721.2 mg x min x L (-1), respectively. The cumulative biliary excretion of genistein respective to each dose was 42.6 +/- 6.5, 75.2 +/- 18.9, and 126.6 +/- 34.8 microg; the cumulative biliary excretion of glucuronidated genistein was 108.5 +/- 35.2, 423.5 +/- 158.3, and 853.7 +/- 320.8 microg for each dose, respectively. The cumulative urinary excretion of genistein was 34.8 +/- 10.8, 187.3 +/- 67.0 and 213.6 +/- 30.6 microg for each dose, respectively; the cumulative levels of glucuronidated genistein excreted in the urine were 217.8 +/- 52.1, 583.1 +/- 106.9, and 1108.4 +/- 88.1 microg, respectively. These results indicated that at high doses absorption, biotransformation, and excretion of genistein occurred in a nonlinear dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the results of these pharmacokinetic studies raise important questions about the therapeutic significance of consuming large quantities of genistein, genistein analogues, or soy-based neutraceuticals.