1. Basic Information

  • Chemical Name: Bilirubin (also known as Cholepyrrhin, Bile Scarlet).
  • CAS No.: 635-65-4.
  • Molecular Formula: C33H36N4O6; Molecular Weight: 584.66.
  • Source:
    • Primarily derived from hemoglobin metabolism in senescent erythrocytes.
    • Extracted from bile via complex industrial processes.

2. Physicochemical Properties

  • Appearance: Reddish-brown or orange-yellow crystalline powder, odorless and tasteless.
  • Solubility:
    • Practically insoluble in water.
    • Slightly soluble in ethanol and ether.
    • Freely soluble in benzene, chloroform, carbon disulfide, and hot ethanol-chloroform mixtures.
    • Sodium salt: water-soluble; calcium/magnesium salts: insoluble.
  • Stability:
    • Stable as a dry solid; chloroform solutions remain stable when protected from light.
    • Oxidizes to biliverdin in the presence of strong alkalies or ferric ions.

3. Pharmacological Effects

  • Antioxidant:
    • Inhibits lipid peroxidation, protects cell membrane phospholipids from free radical damage, and delays atherosclerosis.
  • Antitumor:
    • Suppresses W256 carcinoma growth with a higher inhibition rate than cholic acid and deoxycholic acid.
  • Hepatoprotective:
    • Promotes hepatocyte proliferation; used in treating hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases.
  • Antiviral:
    • Exhibits significant inactivation activity against Japanese encephalitis virus.
  • Additional Effects:
    • Sedative, antipyretic, antihypertensive properties; stimulates erythrocyte regeneration.

4. Applications

  • Pharmaceuticals:
    • Raw material for drug formulations.
    • Key component of artificial bezoar for hepatobiliary disease treatment.
    • Biochemical reagent for antibody preparation and immunoassays (e.g., ELISA).
  • Food Industry:
    • Natural pigment additive in meat products, beverages, and confectionery.
  • Industrial & Chemical:
    • Used in dyes, pigments, and latex paint production.

5. Production & Supply

  • Primary Manufacturer: Qinghai Xiadu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (supplies API).

6. Precautions

  • Toxicity: Toxic at high concentrations; dosage must be strictly controlled.
  • Storage: Preserve below -20°C in light-resistant containers; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Contraindications:
    • Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
    • Use with caution in patients with hepatic insufficiency.