Biliverdin
Identifiers
CAS number	114-25-0
PubChem	251
MeSH	Biliverdin
Properties
Molecular formula	C33H34N4O6
Molar mass	582.646
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Biliverdin is a green pigment formed as a byproduct of heme breakdown. It consists of four linearly-connected pyrrole rings (a tetrapyrrole). Biliverdin is formed when a heme prosthetic group is cleaved at its α-methine bridge. The resulting water-soluble biliverdin (C₃₃H₃₄N₄O₆) is then converted to bilirubin (C₃₃H₃₆N₄O₆) by biliverdin reductase in macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system. The changing color of a bruise from deep purple to yellow over time is a graphical indicator of this reaction.

Biliverdin is also responsible for the characteristic color of bile juice which is secreted by the liver.

The green-blooded skinks of the genus Prasinohaema possess such high levels of biliverdin in their blood that their tissues are colored a bright green; such a concentration would be toxic to any other species. The Cambodian frog, Chiromantis samkosensis also exhibits this character along with turquoise bones.^[1]

See also

• Tetrapyrroles

Notes