TRADITIONAL USE OF KAHU (LACTUCA SCARIOLA L.) - A REVIEW

Abstract

Lactuca scariola Linn (prickly lettuce) is an important drug in Unani system of medicine. Tukhme ka.hu (Prickly lettuce seed) has traditionally been used for the treatment of headache, insomnia, nervousness, hypertension, palpitation, fever etc. Recently the discovery of active components from the plant and their biological function in disease control has led to active interest in the plant across the globe. It is easily available and cost effective drug which has drawn interest of many researchers and is screened for various bioactive substances. The present article explores the Unani classical and published scientific literature to compile the traditional and scientific data comprising pharmacognostic description, pharmacological studies, therapeutic uses, and safety profile of Lactuca scariola to date. The drug exhibits varied pharmacological activities such as sedative, hypnotic, diuretic, deobstruent, antipyretic, anti inflammatory, blood purifier, demulcent, refrigerant, anesthetic and antispasmodic, anti cancer, antibacterial, bronchodilator and vasorelaxant. The present review will provide comprehensive information on phytochemical and therapeutic uses with special reference to Unani medicine which will help to tap its unexplored potential with more scientific approach. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Headnote

ABSTRACT

Lactuca scariola Linn (prickly lettuce) is an important drug in Unani system of medicine. Tukhme ka.hu (Prickly lettuce seed) has traditionally been used for the treatment of headache, insomnia, nervousness, hypertension, palpitation, fever etc. Recently the discovery of active components from the plant and their biological function in disease control has led to active interest in the plant across the globe. It is easily available and cost effective drug which has drawn interest of many researchers and is screened for various bioactive substances. The present article explores the Unani classical and published scientific literature to compile the traditional and scientific data comprising pharmacognostic description, pharmacological studies, therapeutic uses, and safety profile of Lactuca scariola to date. The drug exhibits varied pharmacological activities such as sedative, hypnotic, diuretic, deobstruent, antipyretic, anti inflammatory, blood purifier, demulcent, refrigerant, anesthetic and antispasmodic, anti cancer, antibacterial, bronchodilator and vasorelaxant. The present review will provide comprehensive information on phytochemical and therapeutic uses with special reference to Unani medicine which will help to tap its unexplored potential with more scientific approach.

KEY WORDS: Lactuca scariola, Tukhme Kahu, Unani medicine, Sedative.

Arif Mohammad1*

INTRODUCTION:

Tukhme Kahu is the seed of Lactuca scar i ola Linn (Family - Asteraceae) which is commonly known as "Prickly Lettuce" seeds or "Wild Lettuce" seeds. L. virosa is a variety closely related to L. scariola. The species Lactuca sativa is the common or garden variety which is cultivated in many parts of India as a culinary vegetable (Nadkarni, K.M. 1954). The generic name Lactuca and the common name Lettuce derived from the Latin world lactus (milk), a milky fluid that flows from the stems when they break or are cut (Murray, J.A. 1983, Bunney, S.1992). It has been described by different closely related botanical names such as Lactuca sativa, L. capitata, L. virosa, L. bracteata and sativa wall. L. capitata, L. virosa (Nadkarni, K.M. 1954, Anonymous 1962, Watt, G. 1972, Khorey, R.N. étal. 1985). Kahu plant and Tukhme Kahu has been used for a long time. According to Decandolle, 1895, it has been cultivated for more than 2000 years. Its medicinal properties were described by Hippocrates (430 BC). It was praised by Aristotle (356 BC). The species were described by Theophrastus (322 BC) and Dioscorides (60 AD). Galen (164 AD) gave the idea of general use. Arab physicians like Altabri (d. 861 CE) in "Firdausul Hikmat", Razi (865-925 CE) in 'Alhawi', Ibnesina (980-1031 CE) in Alqanoon and Majusi (d. 1028) in "Kamil-us-Sana" have described the pharmacological actions and uses of Tukhme Kahu in detail under the heading of Khas and Bazrul Khas (Kahu seeds). The common reported pharmacological actions are anxolytic, sedative, antipyretic, diuretic and analgesic which have been identified and proved by scientific studies. Apart from the reported pharmacological actions, Lactuca scariola also have Anti cancer, antibacterial, Spasmolytic, bronchodilator and vaso-relaxant Activities. Keeping in view the increase incidence of cancer, increase resistance of antibiotics and failure of management of hypertension & asthma which are the leading problem of the healthcare system, the present review was conducted which aimed to provide the current and ancient literary knowledge to the researchers of the related fields.

Unani classical literature and ethno medical literature on recent developments in research on Tukhme Kahu {Lactuca scariola) including original articles and papers were taken into study for the report. All the reports of phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical studies from animal and human model system were included in the review. Reported data was analyzed and represented in the form of table for the current review.

Vernaculars

Tukhme Kahu is popularly known in different dialect and languages as follows. Bazrul Khas (Arabic) Kahu, Salad Beej (Bengali) Prickly Lettuce, Wild Lettuce (English), Thridox (Greek), Guado, Lattuga (Italian), Kahu (Punjabi), Sallattu Virai (Tamil), Kavu Vitula (Telugu), Kahu ke beej (Hindi), In Persian and Urdu, the drug is commonly known as Tukhme Kahu (Nadkarni, K.M. 1954).

Morphology

Ibne Baitar (1197-1248 H) described in "Aljame-ul-Mufradat-ul-Advia wa Aghzia" with reference to Dioscorides (60 AD), Galen (121-200 AD), Ibne Masoya and Razi (865- 925 AD) as follows :-

Kahu (Khas) actually has two varieties based on its occurrence.

1. Bustaani (Baaghi) "Lactuca Sativa " Garden Lettuce. It is a cultivated variety.

2. Barri (Jungali) "Lactuca Scariola" Wild Lettuce.

Cultivated variety could be differentiated into two types. (1) This is IV2 meter high, soft, smooth and sweetish stem with pinnate wide leaves, delicately branched which has white flowers. Seeds are small and whitish in color. (2) The second harvested variety is English (Firangi) which is again of two types. Amongst which, one is well breakable and sweetish. Harvested Kahu is used as vegetable (Salad). Wild variety (Barri) of Lactuca Scariola has longer and thinner leaves than cultivated variety, the leaves are dark green and slightly bitter in taste. The latex is sometimes used as the substitute of opium which is not as potent as of Khash Khash (Papaver Somniferum) (Ghani, M.N.K. 1921, Ibne-Sina, 2007).

Description:

It is found as an erect glance sent Annual or biennial, leafy, 60-150 cm high somewhat prickly plant at the Western Himalaya from Marri to Kunawar, at altitude of 6000-11000 feet. It is also found in Western Tibbet at altitudes of 9000-12000 feet. Distributed to Siberia and West ward to the British Islets and canaries .Stem 3-10 cm high, sparingly prickly below, Capitula is 8-15 m long. Achenes have 6-8 mm body elliptical Setose at apex, 5-9 ribbed, grayish beak as long as body. Leaves are Pinnatifide or Lobed; achenes light colored, rarely sinuate, tending to turn edgewise into a vertical position. Flowers are Yellow, Achenes striate dark brown or grayish brown. Seeds are small whitish grey, about 1.0 cm long and 1-2 mm broad (Dymock, W. et al., 1890, Chopra, R.N. et al, 1956, Kirtikar, K.R et al, 1987).

Unani description

Seeds are whitish or whitish grey, shiny, elongated and smaller in size. They are tasteless or have light bitter taste. According to some Pharmacognostic experts, the seeds are light and soft. Seeds, Oil, milky fluid that flows from the stems (Lactucarium) and Dried Leaves are used as a drug in Unani system of medicine. The Mizaj (Temperament) of Tukhme Kahu is described as Cold 2 & Dry 3 · But there exists a difference of opinion regarding the gradation in mizaj. A majority of the authors described the mizaj as cold in 2nd degree and dry in 3rd degree (Ghani, M.N.K. 1921, Kareem, N.A.I 765, Gulam, H.1879, Ansari, A.B.H 1885, Haleem, M.A. 1948) while others consider it as cold and dry in 2nd degree (Said Mohd. 1973, Hakeem, M.A. 1953, Ibne-Sina 2007).

Phytochemical Studies

The plant contains alkaloids 0.02 %, sugar and glycosides 6.5 %, volatile oil in traces; fat 2.2 %, Gums 2.16 %; Organic acids 1.06 %, Carotene 16 mg %, Vitamin B^ 22%, Vitamin C 44 mg %, Vitamin ? 32 and Vitamin Κ 0.2 mg %.The phytochemical investigations of seeds revealed the presence of alkaloids, the bitter substance lettuce, oxalic acid, lactucopicrin (S. R. Baquar, 1989) and sesquiterpene esters (J. Alberto et al, 1992).The alkaloid, lactucin, isolated from the seeds by Dolejs et al, (1958) and Mi chai et al, (1958), exhibited antipyretic activity (V. S. Agarwal, 1997) and a triterpenoid saponin isolated from stem possesses antibacterial activity (R. N. Yadava et al, 2008).

Pharmacological studies

The methanolic extract of Lactuca scariola was found to possess spasmogenic, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vasorelaxant activities. The spasmogenic activity may be attributed to some cholinergic constituents, whereas spasmolytic effect may be due to Ca++ channel blocking components that may cause relaxation of gastrointestinal, tracheal, and aortic smooth muscles (Khalid hussain janbaz et al, 2013). L. scariola exhibited dose dependent potent analgesic activity. Methanolic extract of L. scariola can produce significant analgesic activity but failed to show anti- inflammatory effect (Fayyaz ahmad et al, 1992). The methanol extracts prepared from leaves and stems of L. scariola showed cytotoxic activity against A549, HePG, MCF7 and HCT116 (Eman Elsharkawyl et al, 2013). A new triterpenoid saponin has been isolated from the seeds of Lactuca scariola. This compound shows antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi (R. N. Yadava et al, 2008). The antioxidant activity of Lactuca scariola (Asteraceae) was investigated by measuring the radical scavenging effect on DPPH (1, l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical and found that the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Lactuca scariola showed strong radical scavenging activity (D. K. Kim, 2001). Lactucin and its derivatives lactucopicrin and llbeta, 13-dihydrolactucin, which are characteristic bitter sesquiterpene lactones of Lactuca virosa were evaluated for analgesic and sedative properties in mice. Lactucopicrin appeared to be the most potent analgesic of the three tested compounds. Lactucin and lactucopicrin, but not llbeta, 13- dihydrolactucin, also showed sedative properties in the spontaneous locomotor activity test (Wesolowska A. et al, 2006). A Randomized placebo controlled double-blind trial of Tukhme Kahu (seeds of Lactuca scariola Linn.) on mixed anxiety depressive disorder has shown a significant effect in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms (Ghazala javed, et al, 2009). The oil of Tukhm-Q-Kahu {Lactuca scariola seeds) is used in Industries i.e. soap-making, paints and varnish (Anonymous, 1962; Ambasta, S.P. 1986). These studies may provide a scientific basis to validate the traditional use of Tukhme Kahu in the management of some gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological and vasospastic ailments. The following table (Table -1) shows the Pharmacological studies mentioning the Reported action with references.

AFAL-O-KHAWAS (Pharmacological actions)

The eminent Unani physician has described the Afal-o-khawas (Pharmacological Actions) in detail. It is commonly used as Musakkin (analgesic), Munawwim (sedative), Mudir baul (diuretic) and refrigerant. The following table (Table -2) shows the Afal-o-khawas (Pharmacological Actions) with Unani and ethno-medical references.

Therapeutic uses

According to ancient Unani text, Tukhme kahu and its compound formulations i.e. roghan Kahu 8l roghan laboob saba,Mufarreh shaikur rais etc has been recommended for the treatment of headache, insomnia, nervousness, fever, palpitation, burning micturition etc. The following table (Table -3) shows the therapeutic uses in different ailments with Unani and ethno-medical literature references. Substitute:

The Majority of authors considered Khash- khash (Poppy seeds, Papaver somniferum) as substitute of Tukhm-e-Kahu {Lactuca scar i ola seeds). (Kareem, 1765; Ghani, 1921; Hakeem, 1953; Fazulullah, 1970; Ibne Sina, 2007). While others considered Dammul Akhwain {Dracaena cinnabin) as its substitute (Ansari, 1885; Kareem, 1765; Ibne Sina, 2007)

Dose:

Tukhme Kahu is prescribed in adult dose of 6-12 gms daily orally (Ghani, 1921; Hakeem 1953). Another reported dose is 3-5 gm (Ansari, 1888;Kabir, 1951).

Preparation:

Tukhme Kahu is used in form of Safoof (powder), Joshanda (decoction), single or in combination with other drugs. It's oil used as Zamad (Liniment) topically.

Harmful Effects:

The herbal drugs may pose harmful affects either in the form of adverse reactions or drug- drug interactions due to numerous phyto- constituents present in each part of a plant. However no serious health risk is noted till date but some authors have reported that continuous use of Tukhme Kahu in high doses can cause atony of body muscles, Dementia, Amnesia, Loss of vision and sexual debility (Antaki, 1597; Kareem, 1765; Abid, 1907; Ghani, 1921; Aziz, 1942; Hakeem, 1953; Ibne Sina, 2007).

Correctives:

Mastagi {Pistacia lentiscus) and Honey are reported as correctives of Tukhme Kahu (Kareem, 1765; Ansari, 1885; Haleem, 1948; Hakeem, 1953, Ibne Sina, 2007).

CONCLUSION

Tukhme Kahu is an important drug in Unani system of medicine used for ages in the treatment of headache, insomnia, nervousness, hypertension, palpitation, fever, Asthma, Chronic bronchitis, acute cold/Coryza, Scorpion sting etc. Lactuca scariola has its own importance as it has Anti cancer antibacterial, antifungal, Spasmolytic, bronchodilator and vasorelaxant activities. The scientific analysis of Tukhme Kahu proves many of the activities mentioned in Unani classical literature. Further investigations are needed to find out the mechanism of action, active principle(s) and utility of Tukhme Kahu in clinical practice. Though the drug has been found to be safe but the potent curative effects of the drug need to be verified by more controlled and exhaustive clinical trials, especially in the field of cancer and hypertension so that it can be established as a standard drug.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The author is grateful to Dr Zaki anwar ansari, Principal, HSZH Govt. Unani medical college, Bhopal (MP) for his cooperation in the work. The technical help provided by Mr. Javed ahmed, library attendant, A & U Tibbia college (University of Delhi) Karol Bagh New Delhi-5 and Mrs. Salma, librarian HSZH Govt. Unani medical college, Bhopal (MP) are also acknowledged.

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Cite this article:

Arif Mohammad (2013), TRADITIONAL USE OF KAHU (LACTUCA SCARIOLA) - A REVIEW, Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 2(6): 465-174

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Conflict of Interest: None Declared