Used primarily in research settings to study the role of nitric oxide in biological systems. It acts as an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide. This application is crucial in understanding cardiovascular function, as nitric oxide plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure and vascular tone. Additionally, it is employed in experimental models to investigate conditions like hypertension, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Its inhibitory effects help elucidate the pathways and mechanisms involving nitric oxide in various physiological and pathological processes.