Nystatin is a fungicidal and fungistatic polyene antifungal and growth promoter, first reported in 1950. It is a complex of A1, A2 and A3. Nystatin functions by accumulating cholesterol and thereby sequesters lipid from cell membranes. It can be used as a bioprobe and in quantum dot research, since cholesterol depletion can block several lipid raft-dependent endocytic pathways.
Nystatin A1 is soluble in DMF and DMSO, moderately soluble in methanol and ethanol, and sparingly soluble in water.