A fungal metabolite isolated from cultures of Aspergillus terreus. The compound is a potent anticholesteremic agent. It inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL COA REDUCTASES), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It also stimulates the production of low-density lipoprotein receptors in the liver.
Also Known As:
Mevacor; 6-Methylcompactin; Lovastatin, (1 alpha(S*))-Isomer; MK-803; Monacolin K; 1 alpha-Isomer Lovastatin; 6 Methylcompactin; Lovastatin, 1 alpha Isomer; MK 803; MK803; alpha-Isomer Lovastatin, 1; Lovastatin, 1 alpha-Isomer; Mevinolin; Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-(2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)ethyl)-1-naphthalenyl ester, (1S-(1alpha(R*),3alpha,7beta,8beta(2S*,4S*),8abeta))-