Antimicrobial peptides are produced by plants and most organisms throughout the animal kingdom including humans. Antimicrobial peptides protect against a broad range of infectious agents, as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The amphibian skin is an especially rich source of antimicrobial peptides. See also the product families: Hepcidins LL-37 and Fragments Tuftsin and Analogs (subfamily).

Beauvericin is a member of the enniatin family of antibiotics. Activity against Gram-positive bacteria and mycobacteria has been demonstrated. The cyclic depsipeptide forms complexes with alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions. Additionally, beauvericin was reported to be toxic to brine shrimps and mosquito larvae.