Used as a research compound in neuroscience and pharmacology to study serotonin pathways. It serves as a prodrug or analog in experiments aiming to modulate serotonin levels in the central nervous system. Due to its structural similarity to 5-HTP, it is investigated for potential effects on mood, sleep, and appetite regulation. Commonly used in in vitro and animal studies to evaluate metabolic stability, blood-brain barrier penetration, and bioavailability of serotonin precursors. Also employed in the development of analytical methods for detecting tryptophan derivatives in biological samples.