PISTIA STRATIOTES L. (ARACEAE): PHYTOCHEMISTRY, USE IN MEDICINES, PHYTOREMEDIATION, BIOGAS AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

摘要

Pistia stratiotes L. commonly known as water lettuce belongs to Araceae. It has been used in various medicines for thetreatment of eczema, leprosy, ulcers, piles, stomach disorder, throat and mouth inflammation, a few to mention. This reviewarticle is a compilation of the updated information regarding phytochemical, pharmacological, medicinal, bioremediationpotential, allelopathy, utilization and management of water lettuce. In Pakistan it was first reported from Razmak, SouthWaziristan in 1972, but now it is widespread throughout the country. Information regarding the uses and effects of differentextract (ethanolic and methanolic) of this plant is also documented. Pistia stratiotes possess different useful activities like,diuretic, antidiabetic, antidermatophytic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties against harmful diseases. It has greatpotential for absorption of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Cd) without developing any toxicity or reduction in growth dueto metal accumulation and has shown a wide range of tolerance to all the selected metals and therefore can be used for waterpurification and to combat water pollution in waste water bodies such as drainage ditches and channels carrying industrialeffluents. This article provide bases and encourages further study on any of the above mentioned aspects of P. stratiotes forcreation as well as confirmation of the information and also to reveal therapeutic effects, bioremediation andbioaccumulation potential with possible isolation of active bio-moieties and their mechanism of action.