Bufotalidin is used in scientific research to study cardiac glycoside receptors and their role in heart function. It has been investigated for its potent effects on the cardiovascular system, particularly its ability to inhibit the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme, which regulates heart muscle contraction. Due to this property, it serves as a tool in pharmacology to explore mechanisms of arrhythmias and heart failure. Additionally, bufotalidin has been examined for its potential neurotoxic and psychoactive effects, contributing to studies on toxin interactions with the central nervous system. Its high toxicity limits clinical use but makes it valuable in toxicology research for understanding poison mechanisms and developing antidotes.