Used as a glycosidase inhibitor, it plays a significant role in studying carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme mechanisms. It is applied in biochemical research to understand and manipulate glycosidase activity, which is crucial for developing treatments for diseases like diabetes and viral infections. Additionally, it serves as a tool in glycobiology to explore the structure and function of glycoproteins and glycolipids, aiding in the development of targeted therapies. Its inhibitory properties also make it valuable in investigating lysosomal storage disorders and other metabolic conditions.