it is rich in calcium oxalate crystals that are bitter in taste. Nevertheless, there are records of the plant being utilized as famine food in India during the Great Famine of 1867-1878. The Hausa people of Nigeria utilized the ash of the plant as a substitute for salt due to its high concentration of potassium chloride, a mineral salt. This salt substitute, also called 'zakankau,' was of high importance, especially when imported salt was unavailable. Caution is advised when consuming Pistia stratiotes, as the plant is a hyperaccumulator, and can absorb and accumulate toxic heavy metals present in its environment. The presence of high concentrations of calcium oxalate crystals can induce various health concerns such as, inhibited mineral absorption and kidney stones. In Singapore and Southern China, Pistia stratiotes is commonly grown or collected as animal feed for ducks and pigs. Water lettuce is also considered an alternative for poultry feed in Indonesia due to its high content of crude protein. Medical treatment There are various medical uses of Pistia stratiotes throughout regions in Asia and Africa. In Nigeria, the dried leaves are prepared into a powder form and are applied to wounds and sores for disinfection. A similar use is present in Indian traditional medicine, where the powdered leaf is applied to syphilitic eruptions and skin infections. In Nigeria and Gambia, the leaf is infused in water to create an eyewash to treat allergic conjunctivitis. The eyewash is known to have a cooling and analgesic effect. Therefore, the plant is commonly called 'eye-pity' in Africa. In addition, the leaves of Pistia stratiotes can be burned into ash, and in Indian and Nigerian traditional medicine, the ash is used in treating ringworm infections of the scalp. Medicinal properties Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Extractions of the leaves of P. stratiotes reduces mast infiltration and degranulation in allergic reactions and presents anti-inflammatory properties. The ethanolic extracts have also been positively correlated with a reduction in inflammatory disorders such as, arthritis and fevers. Antifungal Properties: With the popular use of Pistia stratiotes as a traditional treatment for ringworms, researchers have tested P. stratiotes methanolic extracts on dermatophyte fungi. The results of the studies depicted significant fungicidal activity on T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and E. floccosum. Environmental remediation The high sorption property of water lettuce makes it a great candidate for biodegradable oil sorbents in marine oil spills. Particularly, the leaves of Pistia stratiotes can efficiently