Biliverdin 

Biliverdin, a tetrapyrrolic pigment, is a product of heme catabolism. Heme is broken down into Biliverdin and carbon monoxide and iron by heme oxidase. Biliverdin is then quickly broken down to bilirubin by Biliverdin reductase. Biliverdin can mediate the protective effects of HO-1 in many disease models including IRI and organ transplantation. Biliverdin exhibits anti-mutagenic, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressant properties^[1][2][3].

Biliverdin is considered a waste product of heme degradation. When red blood cells lyse, either due to hemolytic diseases or by natural apoptosis, heme get released. The heme is metabolized by heme oxygenase using three molecules of oxygen and seven electrons and producing Biliverdin IX-alpha, carbon monoxide, and ferrous iron. The Biliverdin IX-alpha undergoes metabolism to bilirubin IX-alpha via NADPH-dependent Biliverdin reductase^[1].
The buildup of Biliverdin has been shown to upregulate the activity of Biliverdin reductase, an enzyme that is a regulator of the innate immune system^[1].
Biliverdin downregulates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and demonstrate an antioxidant effect in the damaged blood vessels. This decreases the formation of the tunica intima of blood vessels and blocks neovascularization and angiogenesis^[1].
Biliverdin decreases inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TLR-4 and by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10^[1].
Biliverdin is a scavenger of hydroxyl peroxide groups showing the antioxidant effects of Biliverdin^[1].
Biliverdin (0.1-1 μM) suppresses the intramitochondrial superoxide formation, thereby reducing the oxidative stress^[2].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Biliverdin significant decreases the intimal hyperplasia following balloon angioplasty and vascular grafting in rats^[1].
Biliverdin (50 μmol/kg, i.p., 2 w) results in a diminished infiltrate of immunocompetent cells in the grafts and suppresses the proliferative activity of the splenocytes of mice^[3].
Biliverdin effectively reduces the neointima formation after ballon injury in rats^[3].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

582.65

C₃₃H₃₄N₄O₆

114-25-0

Solid

Dark green to black

OC(CCC(C(C)=C(N1)/C=C2C(C=C)=C(C(N/2)=O)C)=C1/C=C3C(CCC(O)=O)=C(C(/C=C4C(C)=C(C(N/4)=O)C=C)=N/3)C)=O

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

-20°C, protect from light

*In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

* Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

• [1]. McDonnell MC, et al. Biochemistry, Biliverdin. 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.  [Content Brief]

  [2]. Jansen, T., & Daiber, A. (2012). Direct Antioxidant Properties of Bilirubin and Biliverdin. Is there a Role for Biliverdin Reductase?. Frontiers in pharmacology, 3, 30.  [Content Brief]

  [3]. Ollinger, R., et al., (2007). Therapeutic applications of bilirubin and biliverdin in transplantation. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 9(12), 2175–2185.  [Content Brief]