Used in research on neurodegenerative diseases due to its role as a metabolite in the kynurenine pathway, which is linked to neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. It helps scientists study oxidative stress and excitotoxicity in conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Also investigated for its potential involvement in eye lens physiology and cataract formation due to accumulation in ocular tissues. Serves as a biomarker in metabolic and neurological studies.