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Biliverdin is a tetrapyrrolic, water-soluble compound formed by the breakdown of heme.[1] 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.[2] The buildup of biliverdin and bilirubin, due to increased hemolysis or liver damage resulting in impaired glucuronidation, causes jaundice.[3] While the buildup of bilirubin and biliverdin have been known to have negative effects, recently, numerous beneficial effects of these compounds have been discovered. Biliverdin is anti-mutagenic, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressant. 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.[4]