Used in research as a potent inhibitor of certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, which are involved in the metabolic activation of procarcinogens. This compound shows promise in studies related to cancer chemoprevention due to its ability to modulate enzyme activity that can lead to DNA damage. It is also investigated for its neuroprotective properties and potential interaction with central nervous system receptors, suggesting possible applications in neurodegenerative disease research. Due to its structural similarity to beta-carbolines, it is used as a pharmacological tool to study monoamine oxidase inhibition and serotonin receptor interactions.