Biochemical reagent
Potassium sodium tartrate does not have a defined biological drug target as it is primarily a chemical reagent, food additive, and industrial compound rather than a therapeutic agent. The compound's tartrate moiety can interact with various metal ions through chelation, which is the basis for its use in Fehling's solution and other analytical applications. In biological systems, tartrate can inhibit certain enzymes such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), but potassium sodium tartrate itself is not designed as a therapeutic agent targeting specific biological pathways.

Used as sequestrant and general purpose food additive; Used in mirror production, Fehling's solution, crystal-controlled oscillators, and as saline cathartic; Used to make mirrors, in Fehling's solution, to control radio frequencies (and other applications of piezoelectric crystals), as chelator of metal ions (especially aluminum), and as cathartic.

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As a chemical reagent, potassium sodium tartrate is not typically evaluated for direct in vitro biological activity against specific molecular targets. The compound's primary applications are in analytical chemistry, food science, and industrial processes rather than in biological assays. Its role in Fehling's solution for reducing sugar detection is based on its metal-chelating properties rather than biological activity. Any biological effects observed would be incidental and related to its ionic composition and osmotic effects rather than specific target engagement.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-related reproductive disorder in women of reproductive age, accompanied by both the impairment of female fecundity and a risk of metabolic disorders. PCOS is emphasized as a worldwide concern due to its unknown etiology and lack of specific medications. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-tartaric acid, an abundantly occurring compound in fruits, on the histostereological and hormonal changes caused by PCOS. Forty adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups including controls (no intervention), Tartaric acid (40mg/Kg/day from day 21 onwards for 39 days), PCOS (21 days letrozole and then normal saline orally for 39 days), and PCOS + Tartaric acid. After treatments, the ovarian histostereological analysis as well as the level of reproductive hormones including luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone was measured. PCOS caused a significant decrease in the number of unilaminar, multilaminar, antral, and graafian follicles and increased follicular atresia (p-value < 0.001). Moreover, the weight and volume of ovarian tissue and related structures including cortex, medulla, and cysts increased significantly (p-value < 0.0001). However, corpus luteum volume was significantly decreased (p-value < 0.001). Although significant differences were found in some parameters with the control group (p-value < 0.05), the administration of tartaric acid restored the pathological effects of PCOS on the ovarian histostructure. Furthermore, tartaric acid improved the serum levels of LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone (p-value < 0.05). The obtained findings may suggest tartaric acid as a novel strategy for PCOS management, although further studies are necessary [1].

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In vivo activity data for potassium sodium tartrate itself is limited, as the compound is not intended for therapeutic use. As a food additive (E337), it is consumed in small amounts and is generally recognized as safe. The compound's tartrate component can be metabolized in the body, but comprehensive pharmacological studies are not available. Its primary applications remain in food science, analytical chemistry, and industrial processes rather than in vivo pharmacology.

Cell-free biochemical assays involving potassium sodium tartrate typically focus on its use as a reagent in analytical chemistry rather than as an enzyme inhibitor. In Fehling's solution, a standard protocol involves mixing the compound with copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide to detect reducing sugars. The tartrate chelates copper ions, preventing precipitation of copper hydroxide. For protein crystallization, the compound can be used as a precipitant in sitting-drop vapor diffusion experiments. The compound's purity and identity are verified by standard analytical methods.

Cell-based assays are not typically performed with potassium sodium tartrate as the compound is a chemical reagent and food additive rather than a drug candidate. The compound may be used in cell culture media as a component of certain buffers or as a source of potassium and sodium ions. However, its primary applications are in analytical chemistry and food science rather than cell-based biological research. Any effects on cells would be related to osmotic or ionic changes rather than specific pharmacological activity.

In vivo studies are not typically conducted with potassium sodium tartrate itself, as the compound is a food additive and industrial chemical rather than a therapeutic agent. The compound has been used in traditional medicine as a laxative, but comprehensive efficacy studies are not available. As a food additive (E337), its safety has been established through regulatory review. The compound's tartrate component is metabolized in the body, but detailed pharmacokinetic studies are limited.

Pharmacokinetic data for potassium sodium tartrate is limited, as the compound is primarily a food additive and industrial chemical rather than a drug. The molecular weight is 282.218 g/mol. The compound is water-soluble and would be expected to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The tartrate component can be metabolized, and the potassium and sodium ions are handled by normal physiological mechanisms. The compound's use as a food additive indicates that it is generally safe at typical exposure levels.

Non-human toxicity excerpt
A single intravenous injection of 400 mg/kg sodium potassium tartrate selectively damages the tubular epithelium of mice.
Subcutaneous injection of 400 mg/kg in mice. The number of Paneth cells in the intestinal glands did not change significantly, but the granulation index decreased significantly on day 1 after treatment and returned to normal within 5 days. LEE HL et al; New Medicine Journal (SEE-CHOUAX) 17(3):345(1974)

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Drug Warnings
Sodium salts (as a saline laxative) are contraindicated in patients with heart disease, edema or congestive heart failure, or those on a low-sodium diet.

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Toxicological data for potassium sodium tartrate indicates that it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food additive (E337). The compound has low acute toxicity. At high doses, the tartrate component may cause gastrointestinal effects including laxative effects. The compound's safety has been established through regulatory review for food use. Standard laboratory safety precautions should be observed when handling the compound in research settings, though it is considered relatively safe compared to many other chemical reagents.

[1]. The Effects of L-Tartaric Acid on Ovarian Histostereological and Serum Hormonal Analysis in an Animal Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod Sci. 2024 Nov;31(11):3583-3594.

L-Sodium potassium tartrate is an organic sodium-potassium salt of L-tartaric acid (molar ratio 1:1:1). It is a laxative. It is both a potassium salt and an organic sodium salt. It contains L-tartarate (2-).

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Therapeutic Uses
As a saline laxative, the usual adult dose is 5 to 10 grams.
...As a saline laxative.../It produces/watery excretion within 2-6 hours.../When taken on an empty stomach, it is most effective when combined with a large amount of fluid (at least 240 ml).
Used to clear toxins in certain poisoning situations.
Can be used to clear parasites after treatment with anthelmintic drugs and toxic anthelmintics.

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Drug Warnings
Sodium salts (as a saline laxative) are contraindicated in patients with heart disease, edema, or congestive heart failure, and in those on a low-sodium diet. /Sodium Salt/

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Potassium sodium tartrate is a chemical compound with diverse applications in food science, analytical chemistry, and industry. As a food additive, its E number is E337. The compound has found usage in phonograph pickups and other sensing devices due to its piezoelectric properties. In the laboratory, it is used as a reagent in Fehling's solution for the detection of reducing sugars. It is also used as a reducer in plating of printing. No clinical trials or regulatory approvals exist for therapeutic use of this compound. It is commercially available from various suppliers for research and industrial purposes.

C4H4KNAO6

210.16

281.996

304-59-6

9357

White to off-white solid powder

1.24

100 °C

70-80 °C ; 90-100 °C

209.4ºC

2

6

1

12

123

2

[C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)[O-])O)(C(=O)[O-])O.[Na+].[K+]

LJCNRYVRMXRIQR-OLXYHTOASA-L

InChI=1S/C4H6O6.K.Na/c5-1(3(7)8)2(6)4(9)10;;/h1-2,5-6H,(H,7,8)(H,9,10);;/q;2*+1/p-2/t1-,2-;;/m1../s1

potassium;sodium;(2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate

Rochelle salt; Seignette salt; 304-59-6; SODIUM POTASSIUM TARTRATE; Monopotassium monosodium tartrate; Sodium potassium L-tartrate; 147-79-5; Potassium sodium L(+)-tartrate;

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: Please store this product in a sealed and protected environment, avoid exposure to moisture.

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

H2O: ≥ 100 mg/mL (475.83 mM)

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)