It is produced by the strain of Streptomyces orchidaceus, Str. lavendulae, Str. roseochromogenes. It can inhibit bacterial alanine racase, D-alanyl-D-alanine synthetase, and interfere with cell wall biosynthesis. Its antibacterial spectrum is wide, and it has activity against gram-positive bacteria, negative bacteria, mycobacterium, rickettsia and amoeba of dysentery. It is now used as a second-line anti-tuberculosis drug.