Acrid lettuce
Lactuca virosa
Lactuca virosa, also known as bitter lettuce or wild lettuce, is a plant traditionally used in various folk medicine practices. It has been employed to address respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and coughs in some cultures. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal uses is limited; studies focusing on Lactuca species have primarily highlighted their genetic diversity for lettuce breeding and the successful use of fecal microbiota transplantation in tortoises, with no direct evidence linking Lactuca virosa to specific health benefits. Safety concerns are currently non-existent, as there are no major issues recorded, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. There are also no reported drug interactions associated with this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study highlights the importance of wild Lactuca species as sources of genetic variation for lettuce breeding but notes their underrepresentation in genebanks.
- The study reports a successful use of fecal microbiota transplantation in a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise with chronic gastrointestinal issues.
- The super-pangenome of Lactuca species identifies novel QTL for resistance against Bremia lactucae not present in the reference genome.
- Lactuca virosa leaves are commonly used to address respiratory conditions like bronchitis and cough.
- The study presents a de novo reference assembly of Lactuca virosa, facilitating comparisons with other Lactuca species and providing insights into its genome expansion and genetic variation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Acrid lettuce?
Acrid lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Acrid lettuce?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Acrid lettuce; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study highlights the importance of wild Lactuca species as sources of genetic variation for lettuce breeding but notes their underrepresentation in genebanks.
How strong is the evidence for Acrid lettuce?
The strongest finding for Acrid lettuce carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Acrid lettuce safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Acrid lettuce in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Acrid lettuce interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Acrid lettuce in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Acrid lettuce?
Acrid lettuce is also known as: Laitue vireuse.
Is Acrid lettuce a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Genome assembly and analysis of Lactuca virosa: implications for lettuce breeding. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Lactuca super-pangenome reduces bias towards reference genes in lettuce research. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Case Report: Oral fecal microbiota transplantation in a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) suffering from chronic gastrointestinal disease-procedure, clinical outcome and follow-up. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unraveling the variation, phylogeny, and taxonomy of Lactuca spp. for germplasm management and breeding. literature abstract metadata