The sexual state of M. purpureus is a cleistothecium with a two-layered wall, enclosing round, evanescent eight-spored asci, lifted above the substrate on a multi-hyphal stalk.

The structure of pigments depends on the type of substrate and other specific factors during culture, such as acidity or basicity (pH), temperature, and moisture content.

[1] However, discoveries of a number of cholesterol-lowering statins produced by the mold has prompted research into its possible medical uses.

The prescription drug Lovastatin, identical to monacolin K, is the principal statin produced by M. purpureus.

Industrial use of soluble red pigments, as food dye, was discontinued in the United States of America (USA) and Europe because of associated risks.