Lettuce: a promising leafy vegetable with functional properties

  • K. R. Anilakumar Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru
  • S. N. Harsha Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru
  • Mallesha . Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru
  • R. K. Sharma Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru
Keywords: Lactuca sativa, Sesquiterpene, Lactucin, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective and Antianxiety properties

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

Author Biographies

K. R. Anilakumar, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru

Dr K.R. Anilakumar presently working as a Scientist ‘F’ and heading the Applied Nutrition Division at Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru. He is involved in the development and evaluation of functional foods and nutraceuticals to support hepato-protective, neuro-protective, anti-ulcer, anti-fatigue, anti-muscular stiffness and anti-sea sickness, anti-anxiety and anti-depression properties in experimental animals.

Contribution in the current study, he helped in writing the manuscript and guidance. 

S. N. Harsha, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru

Dr Harsha S.N. received his PhD in Biochemistry from University of Mysuru, India, in 2013. Worked as research scholar at Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru and research Associate, at Chemical Sciences Department, Tezpur University, Tezpur. Presently he is working as research investigator at Abbott Nutrition R&D, Bangalore.

Contribution in the current study, he did literature survey.

Mallesha ., Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru

Dr Mallesha presently working in Applied Nutrition Division at Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru. He has developed microbial testing kit for the presumptive identification of coliforms and Salmonella in food samples and also worked onthemicrobialproductionofγ(gamma)-linolenicacid,bacteriocins and biopolymers by using food wastes. Presently, working on the development of body cooling beverages, hematininc foods and anti-sea sickness foods.

Contribution in the current study,  he helped in data collection and writing the manuscript.

R. K. Sharma, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysuru

Dr R.K. Sharma received his MPharm (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) from Panjab University and PhD from University of Delhi. He is currently Director, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru. He has made significant contributions in new drugs, novel drugs delivery systems, herbal radioprotectors, herbal biothreat mitigators and nutraceuticals.

Contribution in the current study, he has given guidance.

Published
2017-05-31
How to Cite
Anilakumar, K., Harsha, S., ., M., & Sharma, R. (2017). Lettuce: a promising leafy vegetable with functional properties. Defence Life Science Journal, 2(2), 178-185. https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.2.11357