3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) is widely used as a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor in biochemical and pharmacological research. It is commonly employed to study cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling pathways, as it prevents the breakdown of these secondary messengers, leading to their accumulation in cells. This property makes it a valuable tool for investigating cellular processes such as smooth muscle relaxation, neurotransmitter release, and hormone regulation. Additionally, IBMX is used in studies related to diabetes and obesity due to its role in modulating insulin secretion and adipocyte function. It also finds application in in vitro experiments to enhance the effects of other compounds that act through cAMP or cGMP pathways.