Salvinorin B is primarily studied for its potential effects on the central nervous system, particularly in research related to psychoactive compounds. It is structurally similar to Salvinorin A but lacks its potent hallucinogenic properties, making it a valuable tool in neuroscience studies to understand receptor interactions and mechanisms. Researchers use it to explore the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) pathway, which is involved in pain perception, mood regulation, and addiction. Its unique properties also make it a candidate for developing non-hallucinogenic therapeutic agents targeting KOR for conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Additionally, it serves as a reference compound in analytical chemistry for identifying and characterizing related substances in plant extracts or synthetic samples.