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Lettuce: a promising leafy vegetable with functional properties

Authors :
Mallesha
S. N. Harsha
K.R. Anilakumar
Rakesh Sharma
Source :
Defence Life Science Journal. 2:178
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre, 2017.

Abstract

Lactuca sativa (lettuce) belongs to Asteraceae family important leafy vegetable known for its medicinal properties. The lettuce is a food that should not lack in our meals, we should keep in mind that its low fat and carbohydrate contents and its high contents of water, it provides caloric power of only 13 Kcal /100gm are very appropriate for weight loss diets. It is rich in minerals, especially potassium that is very necessary to maintain appropriate levels of liquids in the body, together with calcium and phosphorus makes it especially for the correct well being of the bones. It contains selenium, an antioxidant that has a medicinal property in prevention of certain type of cancers, colon, prostrate and lungs. It contains many necessary amino acids for the formation of the proteins, alanine, and necessary for the construction of muscular and nervous tissues, glycine for the correct operation of immunological system. The most of therapeutic properties of this plant is due to sesquiterpene lactones- lactucin, lactucopicrin the most bioactive compound of Lactuca sativa. This review mainly focuses on the pharmacological action of the Lettuce and active constituents for the wide spectrum biological properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, analgesic, neuroprotective and sedative properties etc. Since Lettuce has medicinal therapeutic potential its usage in dietary supplementation can be exploited. Lettuce has also acquired a folk reputation. More clinical studies are needed to further asses the efficiency and safety in therapeutic application

Details

ISSN :
24560537 and 2456379X
Volume :
2
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Defence Life Science Journal
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........75fcb3c893ab4179f4366647e0cfd988
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.2.11357