Lactuca serriola
Lactuca serriola · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lactuca serriola is a plant species recognized for its complex chemical profile and diverse biological activities. It contains important compounds such as flavonoids and can be studied through various preparations including hairy roots and volatile oils. Research indicates that this species possesses significant pharmacological properties, acting as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and an alcohol-dehydrogenase inhibitor. Additionally, the plant exhibits practical utility in pest management through its roles as an acaricide and an allelopathic agent. These multifaceted characteristics make it a subject of great interest in both biochemical and agricultural studies.
- Synonyms
- Lactuca Pseudovirosa · Lactuca Scariola Var. Integrata · 31 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Lactuca serriola is a versatile plant known by several different common names depending on the region. It is frequently referred to as Alface-Selvagem, reflecting its wild and uncultivated nature. Many people also identify it as Alface-brava, a term that highlights its hardy characteristics. Depending on its specific size or texture, it may be called Alface-brava-menor, Alface-brava-pequena, or even Alface-brava-áspera. These various names all point to the same resilient species found throughout its natural habitat.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Lactuca serriola is a complex species known to be associated with several different botanical synonyms. Scientific literature frequently refers to this plant under the name Hieracium lactuca. It is also identified in various taxonomic records as Lactuca albicaulis and Lactuca altaica. Furthermore, researchers may encounter the plant labeled as Lactuca angustana or Lactuca angustifolia. Understanding these diverse naming conventions is essential for accurate identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Lactuca serriola is a distinct member of the kingdom Plantae. This plant is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Asterales. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. It further falls into the specific genus Lactuca. Through these various biological classifications, its unique place in the natural world is clearly defined.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lactuca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lactuca serriola exhibits a widespread geographic presence across several key regions, most notably throughout Africa. Its distribution extends into the Macaronesia islands, encompassing specific locations such as the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Within the African continent, the species is particularly prevalent in Northeast Tropical Africa. Detailed mapping shows it can be found in specific areas like Eritrea and Ethiopia. This broad range highlights the plant's ability to thrive across diverse island and continental landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lactuca serriola is a self-supporting herb that thrives in various environments. This plant exhibits a versatile growth form, allowing it to stand independently without external support. Its height can vary significantly, ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 2.5 m. Specifically, many specimens typically reach a more standard minimum height of approximately 0.74 m. This wide range in stature demonstrates the plant's ability to adapt to its surroundings.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Lactuca serriola possesses significant biological properties that make it a compelling subject for natural product research. Recent studies have characterized the volatile oils from its aerial parts, revealing a complex composition of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. Beyond displaying strong antioxidant activity, the plant demonstrates a notable allelopathic effect against the noxious weed Bidens pilosa. This inhibitory action specifically targets the germination and seedling growth of competing vegetation, suggesting a potential role for its chemical constituents in natural competition. Consequently, the volatile oils of L. serriola may serve as a promising green source for developing sustainable bioherbicides.
Compounds
Lactuca serriola is a versatile herbaceous species valued for both its nutritional benefits and its significant medicinal properties. A key component of its health profile is its natural concentration of flavonoids, which contribute to the plant's overall antioxidant capacity. Recent research has focused on enhancing these beneficial compounds through the use of genetic transformation and hairy root induction. By utilizing Agrobacterium rhizogenes, scientists have successfully increased the expression of specific flavonoid biosynthesis genes within the plant's roots. This biotechnological approach resulted in a substantial rise in total flavonoid content, ultimately boosting the plant's therapeutic potential.
Conditions
Preparations
Lactuca serriola is prepared as hairy roots through genetic transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes to enhance its antioxidant potential. These induced hairy root cultures significantly increase the production of total phenolics and flavonoids compared to nontransgenic roots. Additionally, Lactuca serriola is prepared as volatile oils (VOs) extracted from its aerial parts via hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of these VOs is characterized by a preponderance of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. These volatile oils demonstrate both strong antioxidant activity and significant allelopathic potential against certain noxious weeds.