Sterculic acid is primarily used in research related to metabolic disorders and obesity due to its ability to inhibit stearoyl-CoA desaturase, an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism. This inhibition can alter lipid composition in cells, making it a valuable tool in studying lipid-related diseases. Additionally, it has shown potential in agricultural applications, where it is used to modify the fatty acid composition of animal feed, improving meat quality and reducing unhealthy fat levels. In the field of biotechnology, sterculic acid is explored for its role in enhancing the properties of biofuels by modifying the lipid profiles of microorganisms used in biofuel production. Its unique properties also make it a subject of interest in developing novel therapeutic agents for treating conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.