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Family Araceae
Kiapo
Pistia stratiotes Linn.
WATER CABBAGE / WATER LETTUCE
Tian fu ping

Scientific names Common names
Angiospermum obcordatum (Schleid.) Klotzsch Kiapo (Tag., Bis.) 
Limnonesis commutata (Schleid.) Klotzsch Loloan (Ilk.) 
Limnonesis friedrichsthaliana Klotzsch Quiapo (Tag.)
Pistia aegyptiaca Schleid. Nile cabbage (Engl.)
Pistia aethiopica Fenzl ex Klotzsch Shellflower  (Engl.)
Pistia africana C.Presl Tropical duckweed (Engl.)
Pistia amazona C.Presl Water lettuce (Engl.)
Pistia brasiliensis Klotzsch Water cabbage (Eng.) 
Pistia commutata Schleid.  
Pistia crispata Blume  
Pistia cumingii Klotzsch  
Pistia gardneri Klotzsch  
Pistia horkeliana Miq.  
Pistia leprieuri Blume  
Pistia linguiformis Blume  
Pistia minor Blume  
Pistia natalensis Klotzsch  
Pistia obcordatum Schleid.  
Pistia occidentalis Blume  
Pistia schleideniana Klotzsch  
Pistia spathulata Michx.  
Pistia stratiotes Linn.  
Pistia stratiotes var. cuneata Engl.  
Pistia stratiotes var. linguiformis Engl.  
Pistia stratiotes var. obcordata (Schleid.) Engl.  
Pistia stratiotes var. spathulata (Michx.) Engl.  
Pistia texensis Klotzsch  
Pistia turpinii K. Koch  
Pistia weigeltiana C. Presl  
Zala asiatica Lour.  
Pistia stratiotes L. is an accepted species. KEW: Plants of the World Online

Other vernacular names
BENGALI: Takapana, Topa pana.
CHINESE: Shuo he lian, Shuo fu ping, Tian fu ping, Da piao.
DUTCH: Watersla, Mosselplant.
FRENCH: Laitue d'eau, Pistie.
GERMAN: Muschelblume, Wassersalat.
GUJARATI: Jalashamkhala.
HINDI: Jalkimbhi.
INDONESIA: Apu-apu.
ORIYA: Borajhanji.
SPANISH: Lechuguilla de agua, Lechuguita de agua, Repollo de agua.
TAMIL: Akasatamari.

Gen info
- Pistia is a genus of aquatic plants in the arum family, Araceae. It is the sole genus in the Pistieae tribe, which reflects its systemic isolated within the family.
Pistia stratiotes is its single species.
- Etymology: The specific epithet stratiotes derives from a Greek word, meaning "soldier", referring to the sword-shaped leaves of some plants in the genus. (9)
- Pistia stratiotes feature in the life cycles of certain insect vectors for malaria and filariasis. Mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia lay their eggs under the leaves. Within a week, larvae can develop into adult mosquitoes, making Pistia stratiotes a potential breeding ground for infectious disease vectors. (9)

Historical note
• The Quiapo district of Manila, the home of the Black Nazarene, derived its name from this water lily plant Kiapo, which was in profusion in the canals and rivers of the area, early in the Spanish colonized time when it thrived as a fishing village. (See: Quiapo Market)

Botany
• Kiapo is an aquatic plant, floating on lakes, streams, stagnant water and in lime-rich water, gregarious and stemless. Leaves are few or many, fan-like, 2.5 to 15 cm long, with a rounded or retuse apex, thickened base, with small, soft hairs on both surfaces. Spathes are few, white, oblique, about 12 mm long, with short peduncles. Spadix is adnate to the back of the tube of the spathe, but free above. Fruit is membraneous and few-seeded. Seeds are oblong or obovoid, albuminous, with rugose testa

Pistia stratiotes is a perennial monocotyledon with thick, soft leaves that form a rosette.[8] It floats on the surface of the water, its roots hanging submersed beneath floating leaves. The leaves can measure 2 – 15 cm long and are light green, with parallel venations and wavy margins.[8] The surface of the leaves is covered in short, white hairs which form basket-like structures that can trap air bubbles and increase the plant's buoyancy. The spongy parenchyma with large intercellular spaces in the leaves also aids the plant in floating.[9] The flowers are dioecious, lack petals, and are hidden in the middle of the plant amongst the leaves. Pistia stratiotes has a spadix inflorescence, containing one pistillate flower with one ovary and 2–8 staminate flowers with two stamens.[10] The pistillate and carpellate flowers are separated by folds in the spathe, where the male flowers are located above the female flowers.[5] Oval, green berries with ovoid seeds form after successful fertilization.  (9)

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- Common in lakes, lazy streams and stagnant waters, even in rice paddies at low altitudes.
- Frequent decorative plant in residential ponds, aquariums and water fountains.
- Pantropical.
- Now present, naturally or through human introduction, in nearly all tropical and subtropical fresh waterways and is considered an invasive species, as well as a mosquito breeding habitat. (9)

Constituents
- Plant yields steroid, triterpenoid, phenol, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, glycoside, and saponin.
- Study on leaves yielded alkanes, flavonoids and sterols.
- Study isolated for the first time: stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one, stigmasterol, stigmasteryl stearate and palmitic acid.

- Yields large amounts of two di-C-glycosylflavones of vicenin and lucenin; lesser amounts of anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside and a luteolin-7-glycoside, and traces of mono-C-glycosylflavones, vitexin, and orientin.
- Yields 1% ash, chiefly potassium chloride and sulfate.
- Leaves contain stinging crystals of calcium oxalate.
- High potash content.
- Contains salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and lime: also, iron, aluminum, and silicic acid.
- Leaves are rich in vitamin A, C and also vitamin B.
- Analysis of leaves and stems yielded: moisture 92.99%, protein 1.4%, fat o.3%, carbohydrate 2.6%, fibers 0.9%, ash 1.9%, calcium 0.2%, phosphorus 0.06%. Leaves are rich in vitamin A and C, also contains vitamin B. Ash is rich in potassium chloride and sulfate. Stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one, stigmasterol, stigmasteryl stearate, and palmitic acids are reported. (34)
- GC-MS analysis of the ethanolic extract revealed the existence of 28 phytochemical compounds: nHexadecanoic acid,-11-Hexadecenoic acid, ethyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, Octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 5- hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl, L-Glutamine, 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, Linolelaidic acid, methyl ester, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester,(Z,Z,Z), Nonadecane, 12,15-Octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, Diisooctyl phthalate, Docosanoic acid, ethyl ester, Stigmasterol, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether, Ethyl iso-allocholate. (35)
- Proximate, mineral and antioxidant composition of leaf and root samples of P. stratiotes showed: moisture 4.50% and 4.50%, crude fiber 17.50%, and 20.50%, crude lipid 2.17%, and 1.83%, crude protein 6.96% and 3.18%, ash 35.20 and 44.50%, carbohydrate 38.20 and 30.0% respectively. Mineral content showed sodium 373.0 and 113.0 mg/100g, potassium 3283.0 and 1750.0 mg/100g, phosphorus 336.0 and 313.0 mg/100g, calcium 230 and 230.0 mg/100g, and magnesium 370 and 230.0 mg/100g respectively. Antioxidant showed vitamin A 480.0 and 1050 mg/100g, vitamin C 560 and 3130 mg/100g, vitamin E 8260.0 and 3060.0 mg/100g respectively. (41)

Properties
- Root is emollient, laxative and diuretic.
- Leaves are demulcent and refrigerant.
- Plant considered antiseptic, antitubercular, antidysenteric.
- Studies have shown antidermatophytic, hypotensive, cytotoxic, larvicidal, bronchodilating, antidiabetic, antioxidant, phytoremediating, antinociceptive, thrombolytic, antidiabetic, diuretic, CNS depressant, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, radioprotective, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, male-contraceptive, wound healing, tumor , renoprotective, hepatoprotective, anticancer properties.

Parts utilized
Whole plant.

Uses
Edibility
- Used as a famine food in India in 1877-1878.
- In China, young leaves are eaten cooked.
- Leaves added to soup; prior parboiling advised to removed acridity from calcium oxalate crystals. (28)

Folkloric
- Infusion of leaves used for dropsy, bladder complaints, kidney afflictions, diabetes, hematuria, dysentery, and anemia.
- Used for dysuria and as an expectorant.
- Poultice of pounded leaves used in hemorrhoids, tumors and boils.
- The juice of leaves, mixed with coconut oil, is used for a variety of chronic skin conditions.
- Leaves mixed with rice and coconut milk, given for dysentery; with rose water and sugar, used for coughs and asthma.
- Ash of the plant applied to ringworm
- Powdered dry leaves mixed with a little honey used for syphilis, 3 to 4 teaspoons a day.
- Leaves used for treatment of ringworm of scalp, syphylitic eruptions, skin infections, boils and wounds.
- Oil extract used for worm infestations, tuberculosis, asthma, dysentery, piles, ulcers, burns.
- Used for menorrhagia.
- Ash of leaves applied to ringworm of the scalp.
- In Gambia, plant is used as an anodyne eyewash.
- In China, used in various prescriptions for boils, syphilitic eruptions and skin complaints.
- In the Peruvian Amazon, used for arthritis.
- In Indian traditional medicine, leaves are used for the treatment of ringworm infection of the scalp, syphilitic eruptions, skin infections, dysuria, boils and wounds. Oil extract used for worm infestations, TB, asthma, dysentery, hemorrhoids, ulcers, syphilitic infections and burns.
- Owing to high potash content, used as diuretic; also used for gonorrhea.
Others
- Fodder: Sometimes used for feeding hogs and ducks. (•) Fiber content, carbohydrate and crude protein is comparable to other quality forages. Cows find Pistia stratiotes unpalatable, but the plant is fed to pigs. (54)
- Soap: Used for making soap in West Tropical Africa.

- Stain removal: Plant used with soap to removed stains out of clothing. (29)
- Insecticidal: Leaves considered insecticidal. (29)
- Biomass: Biomass has potential for bioethanol production, with ethanol yields per unit biomass comparable to other agricultural biomasses (Mishima et al., 2008) and biogas production (Abbasi et al., 1991). However implementation is unlikely to be economically viable based on experiences in Uganda and elsewhere (M Hill, 2016, pers.comm.). (54)



Studies
Antidermatophytic: Study evaluated the in vitro antidermatophytic activity of a methanol leaf extract of Pistia stratiotes against various dermatophytes. Results showed antifungal properties, with the methanol extract most active against dermatophytes T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and E. floccosum. Tricophyton and Epidermophyton sp. were the most resistant. (1)
Hypotensive / Calcium Channel Blocking Activity / Bronchodilating: Study of methanol extract of whole plant revealed calcium channel blocking activity using isolated segments of rabbit jejunum and confirmed via inhibition by pretreatment with verapamil. The extract also exhibited dose-related bronchodilating activity and dose-related neuromuscular blocking action. (2)
Cytotoxicity / Larvicidal: Study showed the chloroform extract of P. stratiotes selectively exerted cytotoxic effect on Culex mosquito larvae and recommends that PS be tested for adulticidal and/or mosquitocidal activity as well as studies for toxicity in higher animals and man. (4)
Anthelmintic / Constituents: Study yielded alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, fixed oils, fats and glycosides. Results showed both paralysis and death of adult Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma, with effects similar to that observed with standard drugs, piperazine citrate and albendazole. (5)
Antidermatophytic Activity: Results indicate P. stratiotes methanolic extract was most active against the dermatophytes T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and E. floccosum, with lesser activity against M. gypseum and M. manum.
Antioxidant: Results suggest Pistia stratiotes leaves extract functions as an antioxidant to scavenge free radicals and reduces free radical-induced cell injury. (6)
Chemical Constituents: Study isolated four compounds: stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one, stigmasterol, stigmasteryl stearate and palmitic acid.
Anti-Diabetic / Diuretic Activity / Leaves: Study
evaluated leaf extracts of P. stratiotes for antidiabetic and diuretic activity in rats. Oral administration of extract at 200 mg/kbw produced significant antihyperglycemic action, as well as diuretic action. The glucose lowering effect may be due to blocking of glucose absorption. (8)
Phytoremediation / Chromium / Cobalt: Study showed aquatic macrophytes, Pistia stratiotes, may be used for phytoremediation of water bodies polluted with heavy metals, chromium and cobalt, in a sustainable way. (11)
Radioprotective / Antigenotoxicity: Study evaluated the radioprotective potential and efficacy of Pistia stratiotes against damage induced by 60Co gamma radiation in mice. A methanol leaf extract exhibited significant reduction in micronucleus induction. Bioefficacy was attributed to the presence of large amount of two di-Cglycosylflavones of the vicenin and lucenin and lesser amounts of the anthocyanin cyaniding-3-glucoside and a luteolin-7-glycoside, and traces of the mono- C-glycosyl flavones, vitexin and orientin. (12)
Phytoremediation / Cadmium: Study investigated phytoremediation ability of water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes. Results showed the plant was a Cd hyperaccumulator with a suitability of water lettuce for removing Cd from surface waters. (14)
Phytochelatin / Lead: Phytochelatin is a small peptide contained in water lettuce. In the study, lead ion (Pb2) found in the river formed a complex compound with the ligand (phytochelatin). The phytochelatin contained in water lettuce significantly contributed to the reduction of lead in water. Phytochelatin can absorb lead content up to 49.75% of sample. (15)
Phytoremediation / Zinc: Study showed P. stratiotes as bioremediation to absorb zinc heavy metal in media solution. (18)
Phytochelatin / Heavy Metals: Study evaluated the use of Pistia stratiotes in the removal of some heavy metals from stream polluted by waste water from Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Experiment showed P. stratiotes is a suitable candidate for effective removal of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Mn, Ag, Pb, Zn) from waste water. (16)
Anti-Arthritic / Antipyretic / Leaves: Study evaluated aqueous and ethanol leaf extract of P. stratiotes in a rodent model of arthritis and fever. Results showed significant reduction in paw edema thickness of formalin-induced arthritic animals comparable to methotrexate, diclofenac and dexamethasone. There was also significant reduction of lipopolysaccharide-induced fever in rats similar to acetaminophen. (17)
Ocular Anti-Inflammatory Effect / Leaves: Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of PS in endotoxin-induced uveitis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Results showed a curative anti-inflammatory ocular effect with significant reductions in iris vessel vasodilatation, exudation, neutrophil inflammatory cells and total proteins in the anterior chamber, with histopathologial evidence of resolution of the uveitis. Effects were comparable to prednisolone, the reference drug. (19)
Antinociceptive/ Cytotoxicity / Antimicrobial / CNS Depressant / Aerial Parts: Study of ethanol extract of aerial parts showed significant zone of inhibition against gram positive B. cereus, B. subtilis, S. aureus, gram negative E, coli, S. typhi, P. mirabilis and yeast C. albicans and Rhodotorula rubra. In CNS depressant testing, there was significant decrease in locomotor activity in mice. There was significant antinociceptive activity in hot plate, tail immersion, and acetic-acid induced writhing in mice. In brine shrimp lethality assay, the LC50 was 1.8 µg/ml, LC90 of 2.07 µg/ml. (20)
Anti-Diarrheal / Antinociceptive / Leaves: Study evaluated the antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activity of a methanolic extract of leaves. Results showed significant writhing inhibition in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Extract showed antidiarrheal activity on castor oil induced diarrhea in mice, with increased mean latent period and decreased frequency of defecation. (21)
Larvicidal / Aedes aegypti: Study investigated the larvicidal effect of Pistia stratiotes against early 3rd an 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti in the laboratory. Results showed effective insecticidal activity. (22)
Phosphorus Accumulation: In a study to determine the P accumulation efficiencies of four different aquatic plants (E. plantaginea, C. crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and H. verticillata), P. stratiotes showed to be the most efficient of the four wetland species. (23)
Antiallergic / Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Conjunctivitis: Study investigated the antiallergic effect of an aqueous leaf extract in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis. Pretreatment significantly and dose-dependently reduced clinical symptoms, lowered serum OVA specific immunoglobulins, mast cell infiltration and conjunctival stroma degranulation. (24)
• Phytoremediation / Arsenic: Study showed water lettuce has potential for bioindication and phytoremediation of Arsenic-contaminated aquatic environments. (25)
• Cytotoxic Effect on Renal Cells and Body Weight / Leaves: Study investigated the effect of crude water extract of leaves of P. stratiotes on body weight and renal cells function in albino rats. Results suggest the aqueous extract of leaves could be associated with some level of kidney toxicity. (26)
• Hepatoprotective / Paracetamol Induced Toxicity / Leaves: Study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of an ethanolic extract of leaves of P. stratiotes against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. Results showed reversal of elevated enzymes and restoration of decreased total protein.. Effect was comparable with that of silymarin. Activity may be due to the presence of flavonoids. (27)
• Antiarthritic / Adjuvant Induced Arthritis / Leaves: Study evaluated the antiarthritic effect of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts in arthritis inducted in Sprague-Dawley rats. Results showed significant p<0.05-0.001) reduction in ipselateral paw swelling, similar to effects of methotrexate, dexamethasone, and diclofenac. The aqueous extract showed better activity than the ethanolic extract. (28)
• Wound Healing / Antioxidant: Study evaluated Pistia stratiotes for wound healing activity in Swiss albino mice by excision model. Results showed significant (p<0.001) wound healing activity as evidenced by changes in all parameters of wound contraction, epithelization period and tensile strength. The wound healing activity may be due to its antioxidant property. (30)
• Thrombolytic / Roots: Study evaluated five common Bangladesh plant solvent extracts for thrombolytic activity. Pistia stratiotes roots showed significant % clot lysis at 35.85%. (31)
• Antiurolithiatic / Leaves: Study of ethanolic extract of leaves on ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in Wistar albino rats showed an antiurolithiatic activity as evidenced by suppression of urine urolithiatic promoters such as calcium oxalate and phosphate. (32)

Analgesic / Anti-Inflammatory / CNS Depressant / Powdered Sun-Dried Whole Plant: Study evaluated methanolic acetate fractions of P. stratiotes for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and CNS depressant activities in an animal model. At doses of 200 ad 400 mg/kbw, the ME showed significant analgesic action (p<0.05) against acetic acid-induced writhing.  The ME showed significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory effect in carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and significant (p<0.05) depressant activity at both doses from 30 to 120 min in both hole cross and open field tests. (33)
Natural Male Contraceptive / Anti-Spermatogenic / Saponin: Study evaluated the anti-spermatogenic activity of Pistia stratiotes and its male contraceptive potential. Mice were administered various extracts at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kbw orally for 45 days. The ethanolic extract was most active. A diethyl fraction isolated a saponin, sitosterol-3-O-[2,4-di-O-acetyl-6-O-stearyl-ß-D-glucopyranodise]. Anti-spermatogenic activity of the isolated saponin at dose of 50 mg/kbw for 45 days resulted in significant decrease (p<0.01) in weight of reproductive organs (testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles). Sperm count, sperm viability and serum testosterone levels were significantly lover than the control group. (36)
Antioxidant / Antidiarrheal / Anthelmintic / Leaves and Roots: Study evaluated leaf and root extracts for antioxidant, antidiarrheal, and anthelmintic activities. Antioxidant activity is demonstrated by DPPH, NO scavenging, and ferric ion reducing methods. Leaf methanolic extract scavenged both NO and DPPH radical in a dose dependent manner. Petroleum ether fraction of root showed highest Fe3+ reducing power assay and showed highest flavonoid content at 411.35 mg/g quercetin equivalent and highest amount of total phenolic compounds at 34.96 mg/g gallic acid equivalents. Extracts showed dose dependent decrease in faecal droppings in both castor oil and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhea. Extracts also showed anthelmintic activity in earthworm evidenced by paralysis and death in a dose dependent manner. At 50 mg/ml, all fractions were almost as effective as positive control piperazine citrate (10 mg/ml). (37)
Larvicidal Against Anopheles Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are vectors that cause diseases primarily malaria and filariasis. Study evaluated the larvicidal activity of P. stratiotes fractions on Anopheles mosquitoes. An ethyl acetate extracts was percolated and chromatographed to yield nine fractions. Phytochemical screening of the fractions yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and phlobatannins in varying quantities. Fraction E showed highest lethal effect on Anopheles larvae at LC50 of 14.81 µg/ml, and was weakly effective at 602.03 µg/ml on brine shrimp larvae. Results suggest the fractions has potential as effective larvicide against Anopheles mosquito larvae as it was found harmless to other aquatic organisms. (38)
Wound Healing / Potential Tumor Inhibitor: Study evaluated water weeds Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes for wound healing and antitumor activities in adult Swiss albino mice. The crude extract of Pistia stratiotes showed better wound healing activity with better re-epithelization and wound repair between 15-20 days. For antitumor activity, mice were irradiated with 4 Gray radiation in 3 fractions by Co-60 γ-radiation source. There was also significant decrease in tumor size compared to control group. Results suggest potential for Pistia and Eichhornia for reducing burden of non-healing wound and tumor load. (39)
Toxicity Study / Leaves: Study evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity profile of Pistia stratiotes using methanol extract of leaves. The LD50 of the ME of leaves was >3000 mg/kbw, with no fatality up to 14 days of observation. The ME of leaves at doses of 150-1200 mg/kg resulted in a substantial reduction (p<0.05) in AST and ALT in the 28-day oral toxicity trial, with no significant differences in biochemical and renal function markers. No major toxic effects were noted in acute and subchronic evaluation. Results suggest P. stratiotes is safe to take in acceptable amount, especially at low doses, for its traditional use. (40)
Gold Nanoparticles / Aerial and Submerged Parts: Study reports on a biomimetic method of gold nanoparticles synthesis of the highly invasive aquatic weed Pistia stratiotes, utilizing extracts of all its parts - aerial and submerged. Pistia is freely available in large quantities. the method opens the possibility of large-scale utilization of pistia in synthesizing GNPs in a rapid, non-polluting, energy frugal, and inexpensive manner. (42)
Diuretic / Leaves: Study evaluated the diuretic activity of ethanol extract of Pistia stratiotes leaves in male wistar albino rats. The extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally. The extract increased urine volume and electrolytes balance in a dose dependent manner. Results showed significant diuretic activity, which supports its traditional use as diuretic. (43)
Semen Protective in Arsenic-Treated Rats: Sodium arsenite has been found abundant in nature and released into the environment through human activities, including agricultural and industrial processes. Study evaluated the sperm protective potential of P. stratiotes in arsenic-treated rats. Results showed the ethanol leaf extract has no negative effect on sperm motility, viability, and morphology, and also protected spermatozoa against arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity in Wistar strain albino rats. (44)
Effect on Tear Secretion and Tear Film Stability: Management of allergic conjunctivitis with conventional anti-allergic drugs can cause dry eye discomfort. Study evaluated the effect of P. stratiotes, a herbal remedy with anti-allergic properties, on tear secretion and tear film stability. Groups of ICR mice were treated with cetirizine 5 mg/kg, prednisolone 10 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg leaf extract of P. stratiotes. Treatment with leaf extract showed no significant effect (p>0.05) on tear secretion and tear film stability, and therefore is not likely to exhibit adverse dry eyes, as conventional anti-allergic drugs do, in the management of allergic conjunctivitis. (45)
Potent Antidiabetic Molecules / Sglt1 and G6pc Proteins: Chronic insulin resistance, progressive decline in ß-cell function or increase rate of cell death results in decreased insulin production and disease. Study targeted enzymes (G6PC) and transporter (SGLT-1), which are involved in diabetes mellitus. Study evaluated molecular interactions of 19 bioactive compounds in leaves against diabetic targets, namely: Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC, PDB ID: 1VNF) and Sodium-Glucose transporter-1 (SGLT1, PDB ID: 3DH4). Docking studies of multifarious ligands with the target proteins showed good inhibitory activity. Diisooctyl phthalate, stigmasterol, tetracosahexaene, phytolacetate and glycerol-1-palmitate showed maximum inhibition for SGLT1(3DH4) protein whereas Diisooctyl phthalate showed maximum inhibition for G6PC (1VNF) protein. All the four phytocompounds i.e., stigmasterol, glycerol-1-palmitate, diisooctyl phthalate and phytol acetate can act as potent antidiabetic agents. (46)
Antioxidant Polysaccharides / Leaves: Study evaluated the antioxidant activity of crude and defatted polysaccharide extracts from water lettuce leaf. Results showed the total sugar of crude polysaccharide (96.80 mg glucose eq/g dry sample) was higher than defatted polysaccharide (44.02 mg glucose/g ds). However, the antioxidant activity in defatted polysaccharides more effectively inhibited free radicals than the crude extract (IC50s of 0.406 mg/mL vs 0.484 mg/mL). Results suggest the polysaccharide from water lettuce leaf can be a source of antioxidant agents and as food supplement. (47)
Antibacterial Against Salmonella typhimurium: Study evaluated the flavonoid content and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of apu-apu herb against Salmonella typhimurium. Results showed total flavonoid content of 0.353 mg QE/g extract. Antibacterial testing using disc diffusion method showed inhibition zones of 8.2, 9.2, 9.9, and 11.2 mm at concentrations of 100, 200, 200, and 400 mg/ml respectively. (48)
Effect on Hyperglycemia, Hepatomegaly and Lipid Metabolism in Alloxan-Induced DM: Study evaluated the effect of combined extracts of Pistia stratiotes and Helixanthera parasitica at test doses pf 100, 200, and 400 mg/kbw on glucose level, lipid profile, and hepatic and renal damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Results showed significant (p<0.05) decrease of blood sugar to normal glycemic levels, significant (p<0.05) amelioration of compromised lipid profile, and significant (p<0.05) reversal of liver liver damage and hepatomegaly. (49)
Cytotoxicity Against Melanoma Cell Lines / Antioxidant: Study evaluated the invitro antioxidant and tumor growth inhibition by methanolic extract of P. stratiotes on melanoma cell lines. The ME showed concentrated related increase in percentage inhibition of DPPH. On MTT and TBE bioassay on proliferation of B16F1 and B16F10 melanoma cell line, the extract showed maximum anticancer activity with IC50 of 5.09. (50)
Domestic Wastewater Treatment: Study evaluated the efficacy of P. stratiotes for treatment of domestic wastewater in a free surface water flow constructed wetland. Study evaluated contaminant removal efficacy in treatment of domestic wastewater against Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10, 20, and 30 days. The 30-day HRT was found optimum for domestic wastewater treatment. The final effuent was found suitable per national environmental quality standards and recycled for watering plants and crop irrigation, but not for drinking purposes. Treatment was economical, and construction, operation, and maintenance costs were minimal. (51)
Anti-Proliferation Potential / Status of HER2 and ER Genes in MNU-Induced Breast Cancer: Study evaluated the status of HER2 and ER gene in the presence of P. stratiotes in Methyl Nitrosourea (MNU) induced Wistar female albino rats. Group treated with 0.1 mg/kg/day of P. stratiotes had the lowest death rate. Pistia stratiotes exhibited ability to protect the ER gene in MNU-induced breast cancer female albino rats. (52)
Renoprotective in Ischemic Reperfusion Injury: Study evaluated the effect of P. stratiotes on kidney reperfusion damage in both diabetic and normal rats. Rats treated with Ps showed lower blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, myeloperoxidase, C-reactive protein, and TNF-α levels in the urine. The renal protective ability was attributed to ability of P. stratiotes to fight free radicals, lower blood sugar and stop inflammation. (53)

Availability
- Wild-crafted.


Updated September 2024 / December 2017 / August 2015

PHOTOS / ILLUSTRATIONS
Photos ©Godofredo Stuart / StuartXchange
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Pistia stratiotes / Kristjan / 2005.10.15 / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Water lettuce : Pistia stratiotes / © AquaSnails / Click on image or link to go to source page / AquaSnails
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Illustration: Water lettuce : Pistia stratiotes / Oxford Plants 400 / Click on image or link to go to source page / HerbariaPlantsOxAcUk

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Antidermatophytic activity of Pistia stratiotes / Premkumar VG, Shyamsundar D. / Indian J Pharmacol 2005;37:127-8
(2)
Pharmacologic activities of Pistia stratiotes / K. J. Achola, A. A. Indalo and R. W. Munenge / Summary Pharmaceutical Biology / 1997, Vol. 35, No. 5, Pages 329-333
(3)
Chemical constituents of Pistia stratiotes L. / Ling, Y; Wan, F et al / Department of Pharmacy, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 10003
(4)
Cytotoxicity of fractions of Pistia stratiotes l. On larvae of Culex mosquito and A. salina
/ M D Mukhtar, A Sani, A A Yakasai / Animal Research International, 2004;

(5)
Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity of Pistia stratiotes Linn. / H K Sundeep Kumar, Anindya Bose, Arundhuti Raut, Sujit Kumar Sahu, MBV Raju / Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, 2010; 1(2): pp 103-105 / PMCID: PMC3979182 / PMID: 24825974

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In vitro Evaluation of Free Radical ScavengingActivity of Pistia stratiotes / Megha JHA et al / International Journal of ChemTech Research, Vol 2, No 1, pp 180-184, Jan-Mar 2010
(7)
Chemical constituents of Pistia stratiotes L. / Y Ling, F Wan, B He, Y Zhang, J Zheng / China journal of Chinese materia medica (1999), Volume: 24, Issue: 5, Pages: 289-290, 318
(8)
Diuretic activity of Pistia stratioites leaf extract in rats / Tripathi Pallavi, Arora Sandeep et al / IRJP, 2011; 2(3): pp 249-251
(9)
Pisita / Wikipedia
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Pharmacognostic studies of the leaf and stolon of Pistia stratiotes Linn.
/ Omprakash K K, Rathinamala R, Rajasekaran R, Sasikala Ethirajulu / International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, Vol 2, No 3 (2011)
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Phytoremediation of Chromium and Cobalt using Pistia stratiotes: A sustainable approach / Santosh Kumar Prajapati, Neelima Meravi, Shivangee Singh / Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2012, 2(2):136-138
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Role of Pistia stratiotes on Radiation Induced Genotoxicity : Analysis of Micronucleus and Chromosome Aberrations in vivo / Megha Jha, Versha Sharma & Ganesh Narayan / International Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Technology (IJPPT), Volume-I, Issue-1.
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Pistia stratiotes L. / Synonyms / KEW: Plants of the World Online
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A study on cadmium phytoremediation potential of water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes L. / Das S, Goswami S, Talukdar AD. / Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2014 Feb;92(2):169-74. / doi: 10.1007/s00128-013-1152-y.
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LEAD (Pb) ABSORPTION STUDIES USING WATER LETTUCE (Pistia Stratiotes L.) ON THE SURFACE OF CISADANE RIVER OF TANGERANG CITY / Boni Andika / AcademiaEdu
(16)
The Use Of Pistia stratiotes To Remove Some Heavy Metals From Romi Stream: A Case Study Of Kaduna Refinery And Petrochemical Company Polluted Stream./ Adamu Yunusa Ugya, Tijjani Sabiu Imam and Salisu Muhammad Tahir / Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT), Vol 9, Issue 1 Var II , Jan 2015 / DOI: 10.9790/2402-09124851
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The efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Pistia stratiotes linn in the management of arthritis and fever / S. Kyei, G. A. Koffuor and J. N. Boampong / Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, 2012; 1(2): pp 29-37 / pISSN: 2026-6294
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Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes, Linn) Potency as One of Eco-friendly Phytoextraction Absorbers of Zinc Heavy Metal to Solve Industrial Waste Problem in Indonesia / Pebri Nurhayati, Sapta Abimanyu, Siti Kaswati and Iqbal Raditya Fajr / IPCBEE vol.41 (2012) © (2012)
(19)
Ocular anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Pistia stratiotes Linn (Araceae) in endotoxin-induced uveitis / Kyei, Samuel; Koffuor, George A.; Boampong, Johnson N.; Owusu-Afriyie, Osei / Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals, 2012; 3(2) / DOI: 10.4103/2229-5119.102752
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Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial, and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Pistia strtiotes L. / Khan Md. Ahad Ali et al / IRJP 2(2) 2011: pp 82-92 / ISSN: 2230-8407
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Evaluation of Antinociceptive and Antidiarrheal Properties of Pistia stratiotes Leaves / M A Rahman, E Haque, M Hasanuzzaman, S R Muhuri, and I Z Shahid / Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2011 / DOI: 10.3923/jpt.2011
(22)
Larvicidal Activity of Pistia stratiotes (Water Lettuce) against Larvae of Aedes aegypti / E. E. Ito*, J. C. Nmor*, J. E. G. Ake and K. Utebor / AIR, 3(6): 589-595, 2015; Article no.AIR.2015.054
(23)
Luxury Uptake and Removal of Phosphorus from Water Column by Representative Aquatic Plants and Its Implication for Wetland Management / Shardendu Shardendu, D. Sayantan, Deepti Sharma, and Sufia Irfan / ISRN Soil Science, Volume 2012 (2012) / http://dx.doi.org/10.5402/2012/516947
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Antiallergic effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Pistia stratiotes in murine model of ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis / Samuel Abokyi, George Asumeng Koffuor, Samuel Kyei, Emmanuel A Asiamah, Clement Nsobire Atobiga, Agnes Awuah / Phcog Res 2014;6:274-9 / DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.138243
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Evaluation of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) for bioindication and phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic / FS Farnese, JA Oliveira, FS Lima, GA Leao, GS Gusman, LC Silva / Braz. J. Biol. vol.74 no.3 supl.1 São Carlos Aug. 2014 / http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.01113 
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Cytotoxic Effect of Crude Aqueous Extract of Pistia Stratiotes Leaves (water lettuce) on Body Weight and Renal Cells of Albino Rats / IZ Wasagu, FU Bunza, MK Dallatu, AA Ngaski, AS Mainasara, SU Dandare / Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Vol 7, No 1 (2014)
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Effect of Pistia stratiotes Leaf Extract on Hepatic Functions against Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Rats / Somasundaram G, Israel Raja Johnley I, Sengottuvelu S, Jaikumar S / Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2017; 6(1): pp 1-3 / DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2017.6.1 / eISSN: 2320-4206 / pISSN: 2347-9531
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Antiarthritic effect of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Pistia stratiotes in adjuvant-induced arthritis in Sprague-Dawley rats / Kyei S, Koffuor GA, Boampong JN / DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/JEP.S29792
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Pistia stratiotes / Useful Tropical Plants
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Antioxidant and wound healing potential of Pistia stratiotes L. / Megha Jha, Versha Sharma, Narayanan Ganesh / Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease 2:S579–S584, May 2013 / DOI.i0.1016/S2222-1808(12)60225-4
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Assessment of Thrombolytic Activity of Five Bangladeshi Medicinal Plants: Potential Source for Thrombolytic Compounds / S. M. Moazzem Hossen*, Irfan Newaz Khan, Md. Mominul Islam Sarkar and Md. Anwar Jahid / International Blood Research & Reviews 2(6): 262-269, 2014
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Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract on Pistia stratiotes on Ethylene Glycol Induced Urolithiasis in Labortory Animals / Israel Raja Johnley, Somasundaram G, Sengottuvelu S, Jaikumar S / International Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2017; 8(1): pp 13-15
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An in vivo study of the pharmacological activities of a methanolic acetate fraction of Pistia stratiotes L.: An ethno-medicinal plant used in Bangladesh / Md Saddam Hussain, Md Ibrahim, Md Murad Hasan, Mohammad Tarek Aziz, Suzia Akter Suchi, Md Giash Uddin / Animal Models and Experimental Medicine, 2018; 1(3): pp 221-227 / DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12037
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Pistia stratiotes (Jalkumbhi) / P Tripathi, R Kumar, A K Sharma, A Mishra, R Gupta / Pharmacogn Rev., 2010; 4(8): pp pp 153-160 / DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.70909 / PMCID: PMC3249915 / PMID: 22228955
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GC-MS ANALYSIS OF INVASIVE AQUATIC WEED, PISTIA STRATIOTES L. AND EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES (MART.) SOLMS / Tulika Tyagi, Mala Agarwal / International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research, 2017; 9(3) / ISSN: 0975-7066
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Natural male contraceptive: phytochemical investigation and anti-spermatogenic activity of Pistia stratiotesLinn. / Kiran Singh, Bidhyut Kumar Dubey, Avinash C Tripathy, Ajeet Pal Singh, Shailendra K Saraf / Natural Product Research, 2014; 28(16): pp 1313-1317 / DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.900772

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Free radical scavenging, antidiarrheal and anthelmintic activity of Pistia stratiotes L. extracts and its phytochemical analysis / Mohammed Faisal Bin Karim, Hasan Imam, Moklesur Rahman Sarker, Nizam Uddin, Nahid Hasan, Nirmala Paul, Tahmina Haquev / Pak J Pharm Sci., 2015; 28(3): pp 915-920
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Evaluation of Pistia stratiotes fractions as effective larvicide against Anopheles mosquitoes / Jincai Ma, Yunusa Adamu Ugya, Asma'u Isiyaku, Xiuyi Hua, Tijjani Sabiu Imam / Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology, 2019; 47(1): pp 945-950 / DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1582538
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IN-VIVO DETERMINATION OF WOUND HEALING AND ANTITUMOR PROPERTIES OF HPLC ELUTED FRACTIONS OF WATER WEEDS (EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES AND PISTIA STRATIOTES) / N Ganesh, P Sharma / RJLBPCS: Research Journal of Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences, 2018; 4(2) /  ISSN: 2454-6348
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TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF Pistia stratioles METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT / IB Abubakar, AN Ukwuani-Kwaja, SO Foolami / Journal of Innovative Research in Life Sciences, 2022;  4(1): pp 1-7 / pISSN: 2705-3156 / eISSN: 2756-4053
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Nutritive values, Mineral and Antioxidant properties of Pistia stratiotes (Water lettuce) / RS Wasagu, M Lawal, S Shehu, HH Alfa, C Muhammad / Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2013; 21(4) /
DOI: 10.4314/njbas.v21i3.2
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An eco-friendly method of synthesizing gold nanoparticles using an otherwise worthless weed pistia (Pistia stratiotes L.) / J Anuradha, Tasneem Abbasi, SA Abbasi / Journal of Advanced Research, 2015; 6(5): pp 711-720 / DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2014.03.006
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Diuretic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Pistia Stratiotes in Rats. / RK Sahu, A Roy, AK Jha, U Sharma / Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal, 2009; 2(1)
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Semen characteristics and sperm morphology of Pistia stratiotes Linn. (Araceae) protected male albino rats (Wistar strain) exposed to sodium arsenite / Olufunke Ola-Davies, O Samuel Ajani / Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2015 / DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2015-0033
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Evaluating the effect of an aqueous extract of Pistia stratiotes Linn (Araceae) on tear secretion and tear film stability in ICR mice / Samuel Abokyi, George Asumeng Koffuor, Kweku Antwi et al / University of Cape Coast Institutional Repository
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Analysis of New Potent Anti-Diabetic Molecules from Phytochemicals of PistiaStrateotes with Sglt1 and G6pc Proteins of Homo Sapiens For Treatment Of Diabetes Mellitus. An In SilicoApproach / Mudassir Lawal, Abhishek Kumar Verma, Maimuna Aliu Adam et al / IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, 2020; 15(4) Ser II: pp 59-73 / eISSN: 2278-3008 / pISSN: 2319-7676
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Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) Leaf Extract.
/ Sabri Sudirman, Yohana N Sirait, Aatikah D Ghaisani et al / Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2023; 7(11) / ISSN: 2616-0684 / DOI: 10.26538/tnjpr/v71i11.7
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Analysis of total flavonoid content and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract of apu-apu herb (Pistia stratiotes) against Salmonella typhimurium / Dewi Dianasari, Lilis Sapta Eka Lestari, Indah Yulia Ningsih / Pharmacy Education, 2023; 23(2): pp 212-215 / DOI: 10.46542/pe.2023.232.212215
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Combination therapy of Pistia stratiotes and helixanthera parasitica in alloxan-induced diabetic rats: Reversal of abnormal lipid metabolism and hepatomegaly / Suleiman Aminu, Nasiruddeen U Matazu, Fathmah A Dawud, Aliyu Mukhtar, Umar Saidu et al / Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2022; 37(1) / eISSN: 2659-0042 / pISSN: 0189-4757
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In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Assay of Pistia stratiotes L. Against B16F1 and B16F10 Melanoma Cell Lines

DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)

                                                            List of Understudied Philippine Medicinal Plants
                                          New plant names needed
The compilation now numbers over 1,500 medicinal plants. While I believe there are hundreds more that can be added to the collection, they are becoming more difficult to find. If you have a plant to suggest for inclusion, native or introduced, please email the info: scientific name (most helpful), local plant name (if known), any known folkloric medicinal use, and, if possible, a photo. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

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