Objective To investigate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin on the proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma B16-F10 cells. Methods The B16-F10 cells were incubated with bisdemethoxycurcumin for 24 h, and MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of B16-F10 cell. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and cell apoptosis. A C57BL/6 mouse melanoma model was established to investigate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin on the proliferation of melanoma. Expression of BCL-1 in B16-F10 cells and tissues was detected by western blotting assay. Results bisdemethoxycurcumin could significantly inhibit B16-F10 cell proliferation, induce B16-F10 cell apoptosis and block the cell cycle at S phase. The intravenous dosing of bisdemethoxycurcumin could inhibit the growth of melanoma. Bisdemethoxycurcumin could inhibit the expression of BCL-1. Conclusion Bisdemethoxycurcumin can inhibit the proliferation of B16-F10 cell, resulting from its role in promoting cell apoptosis.