Compound Monograph
Lactucopicrin
Lactucopicrin is a bitter sesquiterpene lactone from wild lettuce and chicory, related to lactucin and associated with the plant's sedative reputation.
Classification
Lactucopicrin is a sesquiterpene lactone (guaianolide), part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Lactucopicrin is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone (guaianolide), found in Wild lettuce, Chicory and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Lactucopicrin is a bitter sesquiterpene lactone of the same guaianolide family as lactucin, found in wild lettuce, chicory and related plants and contributing to the bitterness of “lactucarium” (lettuce latex). It has been studied in animal models for sedative- and analgesic-type effects, and is sometimes cited as one of the more active bitter principles of wild lettuce. As with lactucin, controlled human evidence is lacking.
Toxicity & Safety
Lactucopicrin is found in edible chicory and lettuce and is regarded as low in toxicity at dietary levels. Its isolated safety profile has not been thoroughly characterised.