Harringtonine is primarily used in research and experimental settings for its ability to inhibit protein synthesis. It is particularly valuable in studies focused on understanding the mechanisms of eukaryotic protein synthesis and the regulation of gene expression. Researchers utilize harringtonine to selectively block the initiation phase of translation, making it a useful tool in molecular biology and cancer research. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential anti-cancer properties, as it can induce apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines. Its application extends to pharmacological studies aimed at developing novel therapeutic agents targeting protein synthesis pathways.