potassium nitrate

Potassium nitrate is an inorganic salt used both as a therapeutic agent and a dietary supplement. In cardiovascular research, it acts as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) via the enterosalivary nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway. By increasing NO bioavailability, it is intended to promote vasodilation and improve mitochondrial efficiency, particularly in patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). While acute studies initially showed promise for improving exercise duration, larger chronic trials, such as the KNO3CK OUT HFpEF study, have failed to demonstrate significant improvements in aerobic capacity or quality of life. In dentistry, potassium nitrate is a widely used desensitizing agent in toothpastes. It works by increasing extracellular potassium ion concentration around sensory nerve endings in the dentin, leading to depolarization and inhibiting the transmission of pain signals associated with dentin hypersensitivity.

Brand names

SensodyneColgate

Other names

KNO3KNO-3KNO 3saltpeternitre硝酸钾