Abstract
The small molecule nitric oxide (NO) has a vast number of actions, many of which are poorly understood. Although NO is produced by three distinct isoforms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), most research is directed toward the form, iNOS which is seen following induction. Nitric oxide has been extensively researched in relation to cancer, where it has a multifaceted role. It has also been investigated in relation to oral lesions and tumors like ameloblastoma, salivary gland tumors, periapical lesions, sjogren's syndrome, etc. This review looks into all these facets of NO and its potential role as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality.