Medicinal Effects of Kaahu (lactuca Sativa Linn) Described in Unani Medicine - a Review

Kaahu – Lactuca sativa L. is a large genus of annual or perennial herbs, chiefly of north temperate regions. About 25 species occur in India. All the species contain milky latex and the dried latex from some of them furnishes the drug lactucarium. Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) is considered as the most important vegetable in the group of leafy vegetables. It is also extensively used as a fresh vegetable, but some forms are also cooked. It has been used for salads at a very early period. According to Herodotus, they were served at the tables of the Persian Kings more than 400 years before the Christian era. The garden lettuce is considered to have originated in the warmer temperate parts of western Asia, including eastern Mediterranean and descended from L. Serriola Linn, prickley lettuce, found wild in the Himalayas and north temperate regions of the Old World. The present review will provide comprehensive information on phytochemical and curative uses with exceptional mention to Unani medicine which will help to tap its unexplored potential with more scientific approach.