# Lactucin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lactucin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-05 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Wild lettuce lactone, Lettuce opium compound, Chicory sesquiterpene, Lactuca lactone, (3aS,4S,9bR)-4-hydroxy-9-methylene-3,3a,4,5,9a,9b-hexahydroazuleno[4,5-b]furan-2(7H)-one, Lactucin sesquiterpene lactone, Wild lettuce bitter principle ## Overview Lactucin is a bitter sesquiterpene lactone found primarily in wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) that exerts analgesic, sedative, and antiproliferative effects. It acts on central nervous system pathways and modulates lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by inhibiting triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes. ## Health Benefits • Displays antiproliferative effects on lung adenocarcinoma cells (Preclinical, PMID: 32970341). • Reduces triglyceride accumulation in liver cells in steatosis models (Preclinical, PMID: 36055749). • Exhibits analgesic effects comparable to ibuprofen in mice (Preclinical, PMID: 16621374). • Enhances sleep duration in mouse sleep models (Preclinical, PMID: 37149068). • Modulates lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to potentially support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) (Preclinical, PMID: 36055749). ## Mechanism of Action Lactucin is believed to interact with opioid receptors and central nervous system pathways to produce analgesic and sedative effects, with rodent studies showing potency comparable to ibuprofen at equivalent doses. It inhibits lipid droplet accumulation in hepatocytes by modulating fatty acid synthesis and triglyceride esterification pathways, potentially through AMPK activation. Additionally, lactucin induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma cells, possibly via cell cycle arrest and modulation of pro-survival signaling cascades. ## Clinical Summary Evidence supporting lactucin's health benefits is currently limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies, with no published human clinical trials as of 2024. A 2020 study (PMID: 32970341) demonstrated antiproliferative effects on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells in culture. A 2022 study (PMID: 36055749) showed reduced triglyceride accumulation in palmitate-induced steatosis hepatocyte models. An older 2006 mouse study (PMID: 16621374) reported analgesic efficacy comparable to ibuprofen on a mg-per-kg basis, though translation to human dosing remains unestablished. ## Nutritional Profile Lactucin is a pure bioactive sesquiterpene lactone compound (C15H16O5, molecular weight 264.28 g/mol), not a food matrix, so macronutrient and micronutrient classifications are not applicable in the traditional sense. It is a bitter principle isolated primarily from Lactuca virosa (wild lettuce), Lactuca sativa (common lettuce), chicory (Cichorium intybus), and related Asteraceae family plants. Bioactive compound concentrations in source plants: Lactuca virosa latex contains approximately 0.2–1.5% lactucin by dry weight; chicory root contains lactucin at roughly 0.01–0.1% dry weight alongside related compounds lactucopicrin and 8-deoxylactucin. As an isolated compound, lactucin is typically studied at doses of 1–15 mg/kg in preclinical models. Bioavailability: Lactucin is lipophilic due to its sesquiterpene lactone structure, suggesting absorption via passive diffusion across intestinal membranes; it contains an α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety which contributes to its biological reactivity but may also interact with thiol groups in vivo, potentially limiting free bioavailability. No formal human pharmacokinetic data (Cmax, Tmax, half-life) is currently published. Fiber, protein, vitamin, and mineral content are not applicable to this isolated compound. ## Dosage & Preparation In vitro studies used 10 μM for [hepatoprotect](/ingredients/condition/detox)ion in HepG2 cells, while in vivo mouse studies administered 30 mg/kg for analgesic effects and 150 mg/kg lettuce extract for sleep promotion. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Lactucin has not been rigorously evaluated in human safety trials, so its side effect profile, maximum tolerated dose, and long-term toxicity remain poorly characterized. Because it may potentiate CNS depressants through opioid-receptor-related pathways, caution is warranted when combining it with sedatives, benzodiazepines, or opioid medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety have not been established, and its use should be avoided in those populations until data are available. Individuals on anticoagulants or NSAIDs should consult a healthcare provider, as analgesic sesquiterpene lactones may theoretically interact with these drug classes. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses are available for lactucin. All existing evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies, as detailed in PMIDs: 32970341, 36055749, 16621374, and 37149068. ## Historical & Cultural Context Lactucin has been traditionally used in European and Turkish folk medicine for its sedative and analgesic properties, often through the latex sap of wild lettuce. It is also used in Asia for sleep enhancement, as seen with Heukharang lettuce. ## Synergistic Combinations Lactucopicrin, 8-deoxylactucin, chicory root extract, lettuce leaf extract, valerian root ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is lactucin and where does it come from? Lactucin is a bitter sesquiterpene lactone naturally occurring in wild lettuce species, particularly Lactuca virosa and Lactuca serriola. It is concentrated in the milky latex-like sap (lactucopicrin-rich juice) exuded from stems and leaves. It has been used historically in European folk medicine as a mild sedative and pain reliever. ### Is lactucin as strong as ibuprofen for pain relief? A 2006 preclinical mouse study (PMID: 16621374) found that lactucin and its derivative lactucopicrin produced analgesic effects comparable to ibuprofen at similar mg/kg doses using standard pain assays. However, these results are from animal models and have not been replicated in human clinical trials, so direct comparison to ibuprofen in people cannot yet be made. ### Can lactucin help with fatty liver disease? Preclinical research (PMID: 36055749) showed that lactucin reduced triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes exposed to palmitate, a model of non-alcoholic fatty liver steatosis. The proposed mechanism involves modulation of lipid synthesis and esterification pathways, potentially including AMPK activation. No human studies have tested lactucin for fatty liver disease, so clinical recommendations cannot be made. ### Does lactucin have anticancer properties? A 2020 in vitro study (PMID: 32970341) demonstrated that lactucin exhibits antiproliferative effects against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells, likely through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle disruption. These findings are preliminary and derived solely from cell culture experiments. No animal tumor models or human oncology trials have been conducted, and lactucin should not be considered a cancer treatment. ### What is the recommended dosage of lactucin? No standardized human dosage for isolated lactucin has been established, as clinical trials in humans are lacking. In the mouse analgesic study (PMID: 16621374), effects were observed at doses in the range of 15–30 mg/kg body weight, which does not directly translate to a human equivalent without further pharmacokinetic data. Wild lettuce extracts on the supplement market vary widely in lactucin content, making consistent dosing difficult without standardized products. ### Does lactucin improve sleep quality in humans? Preclinical research in mouse models has shown that lactucin enhances sleep duration, suggesting potential sleep-promoting properties. However, human clinical trials on lactucin's effects on sleep quality and duration have not yet been conducted, so efficacy in people remains unproven. Current evidence is limited to laboratory studies and cannot be directly applied to human use without further investigation. ### How does lactucin affect lipid metabolism and cholesterol levels? Lactucin modulates lipid metabolism pathways and has been shown to reduce triglyceride accumulation in liver cells under steatosis conditions in preclinical models. These findings suggest potential benefits for metabolic health, but human studies on cholesterol and lipid panel effects are lacking. More research is needed to determine whether lactucin can influence blood lipid levels in people. ### Is lactucin safe to combine with pain relief medications? No human drug interaction studies have been conducted on lactucin with common pain relievers or other medications. Given that lactucin demonstrates analgesic properties comparable to ibuprofen in animal models, combining them without medical supervision is not recommended. Anyone considering lactucin alongside existing medications should consult a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions or additive effects. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*