•  doi: 10.1136/bcr.06.2008.0134
• Published online 2009 Apr 28

Sima Besharat,^1,2 Mahsa Besharat,³ and Ali Jabbari⁴

Abstract

Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) can cause toxic effects when eaten. Wild lettuce grows in the north of Iran and some natives consume it unaware of its adverse side effects. We describe eight patients with manifestations of wild lettuce toxicity, admitted to a general hospital affiliated to the Golestan University of Medical Sciences. All the patients recovered (although one had to spend 48 h in the intensive care unit) and no chronic complications were reported. A clinical suspicion of toxicity caused by wild lettuce intake and an accurate history formed the basis of the diagnosis. Conservative treatment, vital sign monitoring, control of patient intake and output, and reducing patient agitation provided the basis for treatment.

BACKGROUND

Iran grows a variety of herbs, some of which are processed for pharmaceutical purposes.¹ Wild lettuce (fig 1), which is known as “Laitue vireuse” in French, “Wilder lattich” in German and “Allubbyne” in Arabic, is also known as “opium lettuce”. Its scientific name is Lactuca virosa; in Latin, lactuca means “milky extract” and virosa means “toxic”.² A biennial herb, wild lettuce grows on the banks of rivers and on waste grounds to a maximum height of 6 feet, flowering in July and August.¹ It has a smooth and light green, sometimes purple spotted, erect stem which springs from a brown tap root.² It is cultivated in different regions of the world, such as Austria, France, Germany, Scotland and Iran.¹

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3031874/