Pelirine is primarily used in the field of oncology research due to its potential as an anticancer agent. It functions by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells through the activation of specific signaling pathways, particularly those involving mitochondrial disruption and caspase activation. Studies have shown pelirine exhibits cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, including leukemia, breast, and colon cancer cells, making it a candidate for development in chemotherapy regimens. Its ability to selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal cells is under investigation to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. Additionally, pelirine is used as a biochemical tool in laboratory settings to study cell death mechanisms and signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells.