Citrinin is primarily used in research settings to study its effects as a mycotoxin, particularly in the context of food safety and toxicology. It serves as a model compound to understand the impact of mycotoxins on human and animal health, especially in relation to kidney toxicity. Researchers utilize citrinin to explore its mechanisms of action, including oxidative stress and cellular damage, which helps in developing strategies to mitigate its harmful effects in contaminated food products. Additionally, citrinin is employed in the development of detection methods and analytical techniques to monitor its presence in agricultural commodities, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Its role in studying fungal contamination and mycotoxin production also aids in improving agricultural practices and storage conditions to minimize the risk of contamination.