Mezerein is primarily utilized in biomedical research due to its ability to activate protein kinase C (PKC), a crucial enzyme involved in various cellular processes. This property makes it a valuable tool for studying signal transduction pathways and understanding the mechanisms of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Additionally, mezerein has been investigated for its potential anti-cancer properties, as it can induce tumor cell differentiation and inhibit proliferation in certain cancer types. However, its high toxicity limits its direct therapeutic use, emphasizing its role primarily as a research compound.