Abstract
Evening primrose oil (EPO), Oenothera biennis, is available over-the-counter (OTC) for treating a range of conditions. Its omega-6 essential fatty acid ingredients, particularly gamma-linolenic acid, are precursors to prostaglandins, the well-known anti-inflammatory mediators [Pariza et al. 2000]. Evidence exists for EPO efficacy in alleviating perimenopausal hot flushes [Farzaneh et al. 2013]. Dermatologically, EPO lacks strong evidence for effectiveness in the treatment of atopic dermatitis or acne vulgaris [Stonemetz, 2008]. Lithium carbonate has an established efficacy in treatment of bipolar disorder and recurrent depressive disorder [Bauer et al. 2014]. A serum lithium concentration of 0.4–1 mmol/l is considered within the therapeutic window for maintenance of patients during the remission period [Misak, 2005]. EPO decreases seizure threshold for patients taking phenothiazines [Vaddadi, 1981]; however, there are no reported interactions between EPO and lithium carbonate.
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