Which species is often cited as the more medicinally significant, sometimes called "opium lettuce"?
Answer
*Lactuca virosa*
While both wild lettuce (*Lactuca virosa*) and prickly lettuce (*Lactuca serriola*) have historical medicinal uses, *Lactuca virosa* is generally the species cited when discussions focus on the most potent medicinal qualities. This specific species is sometimes colloquially referred to as "opium lettuce." This nickname stems from the milky latex that this particular plant exudes when its structures are cut or damaged, which is the primary source of the sought-after active compounds.
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Related Questions
What group of chemicals is responsible for the analgesic power of wild lettuce latex?How is the analgesic strength of wild lettuce typically characterized compared to prescription narcotics?Which species is often cited as the more medicinally significant, sometimes called "opium lettuce"?Which extraction method yields components generally considered less potent than alcohol extraction from latex?Which symptom is listed as a potential side effect of ingesting a significantly large quantity of wild lettuce alkaloids?When is the concentration of active compounds in wild lettuce noted to potentially be highest?What distinction does the text emphasize regarding the historical comparison between wild lettuce and opium?What is *Lactuca serriola* also known as, besides prickly lettuce?How does the preparation method influence the final strength of wild lettuce consumption?What specific bitter compounds might commercial preparations of wild lettuce standardize their advertising upon?