| Latin Names |
English Names |
Sanskrit Names |
Lactuca scariola Linn. (Asteraceae) /
L. serriola Linn. |
Prickly Lettuce |
Kahu |
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 History
Lettuce appears to have been used for salads from a very early period. The Persian Kings used it 400 years before the Christian era. The Romans and Greeks considered the lettuce as unlucky and used it only at funerals as a food.
Habitat
It is found wild in the western Himalayan region of India, from Murree to Kunawar.
Morphology Description (Habit)
It is an erect leafy plant, usually prickly towards the base. The leaves are sessile, pinnatifid, and prickly beneath on the midrib and nerves. The inflorescence is similar to that of cultivated lettuce. The seeds are grey and oblong. Lactuca scariola var sativa (Synonym: L. sativa) is the cultivated variety, cultivated throughout the world.
 Principal Constituents
Lactupicrin has been isolated.
Pharmacology
Lactupicrin, the active constituent is a bitter tonic.
Toxicology
In large doses it produce to a certain extent narcotic and sedative effects.
Indications
Lettuce is considered a rejuvenator.
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