Used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of salicylic acid, a key component in aspirin production. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it valuable in traditional and herbal medicine for relieving pain and reducing fever. Additionally, it is studied for its potential role in managing chronic conditions like arthritis due to its ability to inhibit inflammatory pathways. In research, it is utilized as a model compound to study glycoside metabolism and enzymatic hydrolysis processes.