Dihydromonacolin L and monacolin X, new metabolites which inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis

Dihydromonacolin L and monacolin X those are structurally related to monacolin K, a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, were isolated from cultures of a mutant of Monascus ruber. The structures of these two metabolites were determined by a combination of physical techniques. Data for dihydromonacolin L and monacolin X as inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase and sterol biosynthesis in vitro are also given.