α-Hederin is used in research for its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in studies involving liver, colon, and breast cancer cells. It has shown ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell growth in laboratory settings. It is also investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making it a compound of interest in developing natural product-based therapies. Due to its origin in ivy plants, it is studied for traditional medicine applications, especially in respiratory treatments, though its use remains primarily experimental.