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Lactucin

Animal
Sesquiterpene lactone

Mechanism of Action

Bitter receptor stimulation enhancing digestive secretions; mild sedative-nervine activity
Primary bitter principle responsible for mild sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects; present in leaf latex
Opioid receptor modulation and/or opioid-mimetic action (mechanism not fully clarified); mild analgesic and sedative effects

Research Notes

Chicory RootWestern

Lactucin demonstrates bitter receptor activation comparable to gentian. Animal models show enhanced gastric secretion. Mild anxiolytic properties.

LettuceWestern

Primary bitter principle of Lactuca with documented sedative and anxiolytic activity in animal models.

Wild LettuceWestern

Lactucin is the primary bioactive in wild lettuce with traditional use for mild pain and insomnia spanning centuries in European herbalism. Clinical evidence is limited but observational reports support efficacy for musculoskeletal aches and nerve pain; mechanism possibly involves endogenous opioid system.

Found In 3 Herbs

Chicory Root

Chicory Root

Western
Lettuce

Lettuce

Western
Wild Lettuce

Wild Lettuce

Western

3D Molecular Structure

Sesquiterpene lactone
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Lactucin

Sesquiterpene lactoneAromatic plant metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties

Representative pattern: C₂₁H₃₀O₂

Atoms
Carbon
Oxygen

Related Compounds (Sesquiterpene lactone)

Absinthin(1)Atractylodide I(1)Bilobalide(1)Cnicin(2)Cnicin-related sesquiterpene lactones(1)Costunolide(2)Cynaropicrin(1)Dehydrocostus lactone(1)Lactucopicrin(2)Taraxacin(1)

Live Research

Open on PubMed

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal product.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.