Cucurbitacin D is primarily studied for its potent anti-cancer properties. It has shown strong activity against various cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. The compound interferes with key signaling pathways such as JAK-STAT and MAPK, which are involved in tumor growth and survival.

It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators like NF-κB and COX-2, making it a candidate for treating chronic inflammatory conditions.

Due to its ability to disrupt cytoskeletal dynamics by targeting actin polymerization, it has been used in research to study cell motility and metastasis.

Despite its therapeutic potential, its high toxicity and low bioavailability limit clinical use. Current research focuses on developing derivatives or delivery systems to enhance safety and efficacy.