Used in pharmaceutical research for its role as a key biosynthetic precursor to indole alkaloids, many of which exhibit significant biological activity. It serves as a starting compound in the synthesis of anti-cancer agents like vinblastine and vincristine. Also investigated for potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Employed in enzymatic and metabolic studies to understand alkaloid pathways in plants. Its structural complexity makes it valuable in developing biocatalytic methods and synthetic biology platforms for drug production.