1. Pharmaceuticals – Therapeutic Drugs

Treatment of Cystinosis: This is its core medical use. It treats a rare genetic disease called cystinosis by consuming intracellular cystine and is used to eliminate corneal cystine crystals caused by the disease. It is available as a prescription drug in various dosage forms, including oral and eye drops.

2. Pharmaceuticals – Detoxification and Protection

Treatment of Metal Poisoning: Primarily used as an antidote for acute and chronic lead poisoning (such as tetraethyl lead poisoning). It is usually administered by injection.

Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Sickness: Used as a preventative agent to prevent radiation sickness syndrome caused by X-ray irradiation and radiotherapy.

3. Scientific Research – Biological and Medical Research

Establishment of Animal Models: Used in the laboratory to induce animal disease models such as duodenal ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders for pathological and pharmacological studies. Several biotechnology companies sell it as a research reagent.

Neuroscience Research: Used to study its regulatory effects on dopamine neuron activity.

Biochemical Research: Utilizing its metal-chelating and antioxidant properties, it is used as a biochemical reagent.

4. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry – Feed Additives

Growth Promoters: Used as feed additives in pigs, poultry, and aquatic animals to improve growth rate, carcass quality, and reduce feed conversion ratio. Studies have evaluated their effective addition levels and safety in largemouth bass feed.

5. Chemical Industry – Intermediates and Raw Materials

Pharmaceutical/Pesticide Intermediates: Used as intermediates in chemical synthesis to produce drugs such as cimetidine and ranitidine. Commonly sold in solid (purity ≥99%) or solution (concentration 75%) form.

Cosmetic Raw Materials: Used in products such as face creams and hair dyes. Recent studies have shown potential in treating pigmentation disorders such as melasma, and they can be used as depigmenting agents.