A Systematic Review of the Genus Lactuca

The genus Lactuca belonging to Asteraceae family is considered as the largest group of flowering plants. It is widely distributed in temperate and warm area, most widely in Northern Hemisphere and it includes nearly 150 species. A large number of Lactuca L. species have been farmed for their commercial as well as therapeutic use since ancient times. Several phytochemicals found in the Lactuca species are vital for treating a variety of illnesses in traditional medicine, such as pain, inflammation, lack of appetite, indigestion, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. The species exhibits a broad range of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. It is also utilized in the management of neurological diseases. Due to its pain-relieving properties, lactucarium, a white, milky substance isolated from wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), is sometimes referred to as "Opium lettuce" and has effects comparable to those of opium. The species is suggested as a natural remedy for a number of illnesses, including cancer, menstrual cramps, respiratory issues, arthritic problems, sleeplessness, poor circulation, and infections of the bladder. The purpose of this present review is to provide a thorough knowledge on taxonomical classification, geographical distribution, plant phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of genus Lactuca. The papers published in journals indexed in Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar were reviewed to gather the information of various species of Lactuca.