Silver nanoparticles are gaining popularity, because of their unique property and numerous applications. Plants play an important role in the synthesis of nanoparticles. They are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, an aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Abutilon hirtum was used to make silver nanoparticles. Characterization of synthesised nanoparticles was done using different methods includes UV–visible spectroscopy, ATR-Fourier transform infrared, Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscope analysis. The absorption peak of the UV–visible spectra of silver nanoparticles in aqueous media was around 381 nm. ATR-FTIR spectrum of synthesized AgNPs reveals the biomolecules responsible for the reduction and capping of silver nanoparticles. The size and morphology was confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. The synthesized AgNPs were evaluated for its in-vitro anticancer activities against HepG2 cell lines and exhibits significant anti-proliferative activity in a dose dependent manner. © 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.