Cytotoxicity of New Zealand surf clam extracts against hormone sensitive cancer cell lines.

The cytotoxicity of three species of New Zealand (NZ) surf clam extracts was investigated in three hormonal cancer cell lines. Four extracts from each clam species were used: water, ethanol, petroleum ether (pe), and ethyl acetate (ea). The last three of these extracts significantly induced apoptosis via caspase cascades and cell cycle arrest. This was observed, for example, in the percentages of early apoptotic cells in Storm shell extracts with PC-3, MCF-7, and SiHa, with 30, 31, and 35%, respectively, at 400 μg∙ml^-1. Cells incubated for 72 h led to the induction of arrest in the S- and G2-M phases. Previous analysis showed that pe and ea extracts from NZ clams were rich in lipids, and current indications based on fractional efficacy, pointed to a lipid soluble bioactive compound. This study provided a basis for further development of NZ clam extracts for treatment, or as a supplement, for positively affecting prostate, breast, and cervical cancers. • The anticancer activity of New Zealand surf clam species was studied. • New Zealand surf clam extracts induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines in vitro. • Differences in chemical composition led to anticancer activity of extracts. • Cytotoxicity increased with an increase in concentration and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]