Crinine is primarily investigated for its biological activity, particularly in the field of neuroscience and pharmacology. It exhibits acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, which makes it a compound of interest in the development of treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This action helps increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, supporting cognitive function.

It also shows potential as an antimicrobial agent, demonstrating activity against certain bacteria and fungi. Research explores its use in natural product-based drug discovery due to its structural similarity to other bioactive alkaloids. Additionally, crinine has been studied for its antiproliferative effects on cancer cells, suggesting possible applications in oncology. However, most of these applications remain in the preclinical research stage.