Characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of phytochemicals from Aspilia africana obtained using green extraction techniques

•Extraction of phytochemicals from A africana was performed.•Heating and Agitation (HA), subcritical water and ethanol were compared.•HA showed highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 nine times lower than ethanol.•All extracts showed antiproliferative activity against AGS and A549 cell-lines.•Green extraction techniques were best for the recovery of bioactive compounds.