In its oxidized form (due to the production of a second lactone ring) is variegatorubin, similar to xerocomorubin.

[2] It has strong antioxidant properties,[3][4] and a nonspecific inhibitory effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes.

[6] It was found antibiotically inactive against an array of bacteria and fungi using the disk diffusion assay at 50 μg.

[7] However, at similar concentrations it was found to inhibit swarming and (probably consequently) biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis.

In vitro data supports that this pigment is an Fe3+-reducant in Fenton chemistry during the initial attack of dead plant matter as part of the brown-rot saprobic lifestyle.