Heparastatin is primarily used in research settings to study its inhibitory effects on heparanase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of heparan sulfate. By inhibiting this enzyme, it helps in understanding the role of heparanase in various biological processes, including tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. This makes it a valuable tool for developing potential therapeutic strategies targeting diseases where heparanase activity is dysregulated, such as cancer and inflammatory disorders. Additionally, it aids in exploring the modulation of extracellular matrix components and their impact on cellular behavior.