Alternariol(AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether(AME) were the secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi Alternaria species. AOH and AME were widely found in cereals， fruits and vegetables. They were the most common and unavoidable contaminants during the production， processing， transportation and storage of food and feed. It not only caused huge economic losses， but also threatened human health. Therefore， it was very important to determine the content of AOH and AME to ensure food quality and safety. The standard substance was the basis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the toxin analysis and detection in food. And it was of great significance to the monitoring of toxin. However， at present， the production of AOH and AME was low. It was impossible to achieve industrial production which resulting in the lack of standard substances. It was also difficult to meet the application requirements. In view of this situation， it was urgent to improve the yield of toxin. With the development of molecular biology， the biosynthesis pathway of these two toxins had been identified， but the regulation mechanism of toxin biosynthesis was poorly understood. This review focused on the research progress of biosynthesis and regulatory mechanism of AOH and AME， hoping to provide some reference for increasing the production of AOH and AME. It was important to reserve AOH/AME and provide material basis for food safety and quality control.