Lovastatin
Lovastatin is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease (hypolipidemic agents). The mode of action of statins is HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibition. more...
Lovastatin was isolated from a strain of Aspergillus terreus and it was the first statin approved by the FDA (August 1987).
Lovastatin is also naturally produced by certain higher fungii such as Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and closely related Pleurotus spp. (Bobek et al., 1998)
In 1998, the US FDA placed a ban on the sale of dietary supplements derived from red yeast rice, which naturally contains lovastatin, arguing that products containing prescription agents require drug approval.
Brand names
- Mevacor®
- Advicor® (as a combination with niacin)
- Altocor®
- Altoprev®
Reference
- Bobek P, Ozdin L, Galbavy S. Dose- and time-dependent hypocholesterolemic effect of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in rats. Nutrition 1998;14:282-6. PMID 9583372.
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