Securinine is primarily used in neurological research due to its action as a GABA-A receptor antagonist. It exhibits stimulant effects on the central nervous system, making it useful in studying conditions related to motor function and neural excitation. Historically, it has been investigated for potential therapeutic applications in treating certain forms of paralysis, poliomyelitis, and other neuromuscular disorders. Its ability to enhance synaptic transmission has also drawn interest in the development of cognitive enhancers and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, securinine has been explored for its anti-cancer properties, showing activity against some tumor cell lines in preclinical studies. However, its clinical use remains limited due to toxicity and narrow therapeutic window.