Alternariol monomethyl ether is a secondary metabolite produced by fungi of the genus Alternaria, commonly found in spoiled plants, especially fruits and grains stored for long periods. It serves as a mycotoxin biomarker in food safety testing to detect fungal contamination, particularly in grains and fruits, and helps assess exposure to Alternaria species in agricultural products. This compound is significant due to its cytotoxic effects, potential to damage DNA, and possible carcinogenic properties at the cellular level, posing health risks when consumed in large quantities.

In research, it is used as a model to study the impacts of mycotoxins on various body systems, such as the liver, immune system, and hormonal system—particularly its disruption of estrogen function, which may affect the reproductive system. It is also investigated for its potential estrogenic effects in environmental health research and cytotoxic properties in early-stage cancer research, though not used therapeutically.

Additionally, it is employed in studies to develop toxin analysis methods in food, such as test kits or chromatographic techniques, for quality control of mold-contaminated agricultural products and food.