What is "lithium orotate"

n. (context chemistry English) the lithium salt of orotic acid, used medicinally in a similar manner to lithium carbonate

Lithium orotate, is a salt of orotic acid and lithium. It is available as the monohydrate, LiCHNO·HO. In this compound, lithium is non-covalently bound to an orotate ion, rather than to a carbonate or other ion. It is marketed as a dietary supplement, though only barely researched between 1973-1986 to treat certain medical conditions, such as alcoholism, and Alzheimer's disease.

While lithium orotate is capable of providing lithium to the body, like lithium carbonate and other lithium salts, there are no systematic reviews supporting the efficacy of lithium orotate and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any medical condition.