The first characterized zaragozic acids, A, B, and C were isolated from an unidentified sterile fungal culture, Sporormiella intermedia, and L. elatius, respectively.

This family of natural products possesses a unique 4,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core, and vary in their 1-alkyl and their 6-acyl side chains.

[3] As a squalene synthase inhibitor, zaragozic acid produces lower plasma cholesterol levels in primates.

[2] Treatment of rats with zaragozic acid A caused an increase in hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor mRNA levels.

[5] The core biosynthetic route is via a polyketide synthase pathway from 10 acetates, 4 methyls of methionines, 1 succinate, and 1 benzoic acid.