Used in research for its potential antitumor and anticancer properties, particularly in studies involving leukemia and other blood-related cancers. It has shown activity in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and is often investigated in combination with other alkaloids for synergistic effects. Also used as a reference compound in phytochemical studies of medicinal plants, especially in the analysis of Catharanthus roseus extracts. Not used in commercial pharmaceuticals but remains important in early-stage drug discovery and natural product chemistry.