Arborinine exhibits significant biological activity, making it valuable in pharmaceutical research. It has demonstrated antitumor properties by inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cell lines, particularly in studies involving leukemia and solid tumors. Its mechanism involves interference with cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis. Additionally, arborinine shows antimicrobial effects against a range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, suggesting potential as a lead compound in developing new antibiotics. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which are being explored for applications in treating chronic inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress-related conditions. Due to its fluorescent properties, arborinine is used in biochemical assays for detecting nucleic acids and studying DNA interactions. These diverse activities support its interest in medicinal chemistry and drug development.