Abstract
Genus Lactuca L. belongs to one of the major families of flowering plants, Asteraceae. It includes about 150 species, distributed in warm and temperate areas, commonly in the Northern Hemisphere. Since ancient times, numerous Lactuca L. species have been cultivated for their economic and medicinal significance. Cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa), a representative member of the genus, is the most important leafy salad vegetable. The current review aims to provide comprehensive information on the taxonomy, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and biological activities of plants of the genus Lactuca.