Used primarily in research settings to study serotonin synthesis and function, this compound acts as a selective inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for serotonin production. It is valuable in behavioral and neurochemical studies to induce serotonin depletion in animal models, helping researchers understand the role of serotonin in mood, anxiety, and other neurological processes. Additionally, it is utilized in pharmacological studies to explore the effects of serotonin modulation on various physiological and pathological conditions.