Cytotoxic effects of two edible bivalves Meretrix meretrix and Meretrix casta

) 50 µg/ml concentration in the trypan blue exclusion assay. With light microscopic observation the extract treated HepG2 cells showed modified cell morphological features. Lactate dehydrogenase was significantly released from the extracts treated cells. Reduced glutathione levels were observed in MME and MCE treated HepG2 cells. Further DNA ladder assay showed a fragmented laddering pattern of DNA in molluscan extracts treated cells, it further confirms the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 treated cells. As compared to MME, the MCE showed weaker anticancer property. On observation, it can be concluded that extract MME has been a highly selective and effective anticancer drug for human welfare. Key words: