The Purified Fraction of <i>Persicaria capitata</i> Flowers Attenuates Proliferation in A-431 Cell Lines

Background Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin carcinoma and can be fatal if not cured on time. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common causative agent responsible for such a condition. Genetic and immunologic factors may contribute to its underlying pathology. Current therapeutic approaches towards this carcinoma seem effective, but chances of remittance and therapy-associated side effects have also been observed in many cases. Natural products offer a safe and alternative line of treatment, affording minimal side effects. Ethnomedicinally, the aerial parts of Persicaria capitata are known to be utilized in treating illnesses connected to the urinary system and skin ailments. The current study focuses on in vitro anti-cancer activity of P. capitata involving A-431 cell lines. Objectives Using the epidermoid skin cancer cell line (A-431), the current study attempts to ascertain the in vitro anti-cancer efficacy of ethanolic extract and its purified fraction derived from P. capitata flowers. Materials and Methods We studied the pharmacognostic and phytochemical profile of P. capitata and evaluated its properties, including its antioxidant and cytotoxic activity in A-431 cell lines. Results Pharmacognostic standardization confirms the identity of the plant, and phytochemical data revealed the presence of flavonoids as possible constituents in the purified fraction. Antioxidant data of the extract showed an absorbance of 0.415 ± 0.017, which confirms its potential in scavenging free radicals. The cytotoxic potential of purified fraction has been determined using A-431 lines via MTT assay in relevance to its ethnomedicinal usage in skin disorders. It showed promising results with an IC 50 value of 475.22 µg/mL. Conclusion The purified fraction showed considerable cytotoxicity against A-431, as demonstrated by the MTT assay and fluorescence microscopy.