Cytotoxic effects on tumour cell lines of fatty acids from the marine sponge Scopalina ruetzleri

Objectives Marine sponges are among the most promising sources of chemically diversified fatty acids (FAs). In addition, several studies have shown the effect of polyunsaturated FAs on cancer therapy. This research carried out a biological and chemical evaluation of the sponge Scopalina ruetzleri collected on the South Brazilian coastline. Methods Bioassay‐guided fractionation of S. ruetzleri was performed in human glioma (U87) and neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cell lines, and the in‐vitro effects on free radicals were evaluated. Key findings The ethyl acetate fraction of S. ruetzleri showed promising cytotoxic effects in cancer cell lines, with IC50