Used primarily in the synthesis of antitumor agents, particularly as a precursor for homoharringtonine, which is employed in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It exhibits cytotoxic properties by inhibiting protein synthesis in cancer cells, making it valuable in hematologic malignancy research. Investigated for potential use in other cancers due to its ability to induce apoptosis in malignant cell lines. Also serves as a structural model for developing novel alkaloid-based chemotherapeutics.