Lovastatin

**Definition:** 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.

**Tree numbers:** - D02.455.426.559.847.638.400 - D04.615.638.400

**Synonyms:** - 6-Methylcompactin - Mevinolin - Monacolin K