Veratridine is primarily used in scientific research as a neurotoxin to study the function of voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons. It binds to these channels, keeping them in an open state, which leads to prolonged depolarization of nerve cells. This property makes it a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of action potential generation and propagation, as well as for studying the effects of sodium channel dysfunction in various neurological disorders. Additionally, veratridine is employed in pharmacological studies to screen and evaluate potential drugs that modulate sodium channel activity, particularly in the context of pain management, epilepsy, and cardiac arrhythmias. Its ability to induce excitotoxicity also makes it useful in models of neuronal damage and cell death.