Therapeutic Indications and Action Mechanisms of Bilirubin: Suggestions from Natural Calculus Bovis

As a pathological product of bovine gallbladder, natural Calculus Bovis (CB) has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat many diseases such as: stroke,coma, delirium, epilepsy, encephalitis B, etc. Experimental studies showed that natural CB had effects on central nervous system, cardiovascular system, inflammation, etc. Recent analyses confirmed that bilirubin composed the main proportion of all CB components. Preclinical researches demonstrated that bilirubin had ischemia protection, antiinflammation, anti-cancer, anti-virus, erythropoiesis, anti-pyretic, immune function protection, and cardiovascular effects. Mechanism investigations indicated bilirubin as a powerful antioxidant. Bilirubin also inhibited inflammatory factors and complement. Here, we suggest bilirubin may account for many effects of CB, and has potential therapeutic prospects. Keywords: Antioxidant, bilirubin, biliverdin, heme oxygenase, natural Calculus Bovis, therapeutic.