Tryptophol is primarily used in biochemical research due to its role as a metabolic byproduct of tryptophan metabolism. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, including indole derivatives that exhibit neurological or antimicrobial effects. In microbiology, tryptophol is studied for its involvement in quorum sensing and microbial communication, particularly in yeast and certain bacteria, where it influences developmental pathways and biofilm formation. It is also utilized in the study of alcohol metabolism, as it is formed during alcoholic fermentation when tryptophan is present. Additionally, tryptophol has been explored for its sedative and hypnotic properties, making it relevant in neuropharmacology research, especially in understanding sleep regulation and neurotransmitter pathways. Its structural similarity to serotonin and melatonin allows its use in designing analogs for studying central nervous system disorders.