For developing the determination method of lovastatin in health foods by HPLC, we first inspected the molecular structure of lovastatin and ascertained that lactone is the best one for determination among the acid, lactone and methyl ester forms. The feasible method was decided through a complete research of extraction and purification method, important influence factors especially temperature, pH and HPLC operation conditions. Lovastatin in one structure was determined within 2 days, which accurately mirrors the real state of the sample. Recoveries of higher and lower standard spiked were 107 4% and 96 3% resspectively, the RSD was 3 0%. The results fitted the demand of food analysis. This method can be used in the analysis of raw materials, capsules and functional vinegars. Results of 80 stability experiments showed that solid state samples were more stable.