Oxamic acid potassium salt is primarily used in biochemical research as an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme critical in anaerobic glycolysis. By inhibiting LDH, it helps study metabolic pathways and cellular energy production, particularly in cancer research where altered metabolism is a key focus. It is also employed in enzymatic assays to investigate the role of LDH in various physiological and pathological processes. Additionally, it finds application in agricultural chemistry as a potential herbicide, targeting weed control by disrupting plant metabolic processes. Its use in organic synthesis as a reagent for preparing derivatives further highlights its versatility in chemical research.