Antiproliferative Potential and Immunological Safety of Filopaludina bengalensis Extracts: Morphological and Biochemical Insights

Abstract

Background: Mollusc-derived compounds are gaining growing attention as potential pharmaceutical agents and functional food supplements. This study investigated the nutraceutical potential of the freshwater mollusc Filopaludina bengalensis, which is widely distributed in West Bengal, India. The research encompassed species authentication and morphological characterization, along with an evaluation of its anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, to determine its suitability as a natural source of nutraceutical compounds.

Materials and Methods: Filopaludina bengalensis specimens were collected from freshwater habitats and identified using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene barcoding for molecular authentication. Morphometric measurements, including shell length and weight, were recorded. The flesh and extrapallial fluid were processed to obtain molluscan mass (FBM) and fluid (FBF) extracts. Proximate composition (moisture, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and minerals) was analyzed. The cytotoxic activity of both extracts was evaluated in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) using the MTT assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring nitric oxide inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, while oxidative stress and immune toxicity were evaluated through reactive oxygen species and nitrite production assays.

Results: Molecular analysis confirmed the identity of F. bengalensis, validating the reliability of COI barcoding for species-level identification and phylogenetic analysis of freshwater molluscs. The mollusc exhibited an average length of 3.02 cm and weight of 5.57 g, yielding 0.5–1.0 ml of extrapallial fluid. Proximate composition analysis revealed high moisture (68.9%) and protein (50.4%) contents, moderate carbohydrates (33.8%), low lipids (4.3%), and notable mineral levels. Both FBM and FBF extracts showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, with FBF displaying superior potency (IC50 = 19 µg/ml and 49 µg/ml, respectively) compared to FBM (IC50 = 70.3 µg/ml and 142 µg/ml). In LPS-stimulated macrophages, both extracts significantly inhibited nitrite production, with FBF (IC50 = 49.56 µg/ml) showing stronger anti-inflammatory activity than FBM (IC50 = 77.52 µg/ml). Neither extracts induced nitric oxide or reactive oxygen species production in unstimulated macrophages, indicating low immune toxicity.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that Filopaludina bengalensis possesses high nutritional value and exhibits selective anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, particularly within its extrapallial fluid extract. The favourable safety profile and bioactivity of these extracts suggest their potential as natural nutraceutical candidates. Further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the active compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action for therapeutic development.