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.

Synonyms: 79902-41-3, Mevacor, 9LHU78OQFD, 6-Methylcompactin, Lovastatin, 1 alpha-Isomer, Lovastatin, Monacolin K, 1 alpha-Isomer Lovastatin, MK 803, 6 Methylcompactin, alpha-Isomer Lovastatin, 1, 0, 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))-, 79952-44-6, MK-803, Lovastatin, 1 alpha Isomer, Lovastatin, (1 alpha(S*))-Isomer, MK803, Mevinolin