Aminohippurate sodium is primarily used in medical and clinical research to assess renal plasma flow and kidney function. It is administered intravenously as a diagnostic agent, where it is rapidly cleared by the kidneys, allowing for the measurement of effective renal plasma flow (ERPF). This compound is particularly valuable in studies evaluating kidney health, detecting renal impairment, and monitoring the effects of drugs or treatments on renal function. Its high renal clearance and minimal protein binding make it an ideal marker for such applications. Additionally, it is used in experimental settings to study tubular secretion mechanisms in the kidneys.