Synthesis of Statin Drug from Fungal Sources and their Preclinical Studies

Statins are a type of medication that helps to lower high cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia). Statins generally fall into three groups: natural statins that come straight from the fungi, semi-synthetic statins, which are the modified version of natural statins, and fully synthetic statins, which are fully made in labs. Some statins come from natural sources. They are made from the fermentation of certain fungi they are, Monascus species, Penicillium species, and Aspergillus species. Lovastatin and Pravastatin are naturally obtained Statins. Hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is the enzyme that is used in cholesterol biosynthesis. For lowering of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, nicotinic acid and fibrates were the options before the discovery of statins. Not only do statins reduce the cholesterol level, but they also treat various types of disorders such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The studies of statins in animals take place before the clinical trials.