Pisiferic acid is primarily known for its significant biological activity, particularly as an inhibitor of enzymes involved in inflammation and cancer progression. It has been studied for its potential use in pharmaceutical applications due to its anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and cytotoxic properties. Research indicates that pisiferic acid can suppress the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme linked to the production of leukotrienes, which are mediators of inflammatory diseases. This makes it a candidate for developing treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma.

Additionally, pisiferic acid exhibits selective cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell lines, including leukemia and lung cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a lead compound in anticancer drug development. Its ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation in tumor cells has been observed in laboratory studies. Due to its natural origin and potent bioactivity, pisiferic acid is also used as a chemical scaffold for synthesizing derivatives with enhanced therapeutic effects and reduced toxicity. Its applications remain largely in the research and preclinical development stage, focusing on drug discovery and mechanistic studies in oncology and immunology.