Oral enzyme combination may be safer than diclofenac for osteoarthritis

An oral enzyme combination that contains proteolytic enzymes and bioflavonoid may work as well as the NSAID diclofenac for people with knee osteoarthritis but has less negative side effects.

Diclofenac is used to treat the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis.

Experts analysed six trials involving 774 adults with knee osteoarthritis and published their findings in the Journal of Pain. They were treated for at least three weeks with the oral enzyme combination or diclofenac .

Standards measures of functionality and pain intensity improved for both treatments. But the oral enzyme group had fewer adverse events and were less likely to discontinue treatment.

Data from blood samples taken at the beginning and end of the study showed virtually no oral enzyme combination-related changes. But treatment with diclofenac was followed by changes in key enzymes found in the liver in more than 72% of people and red blood markers in over 85% of people.

The researchers conclude:

“This overall superior risk–benefit profile qualifies oral enzyme combination not only as an alternative osteoarthritis treatment to diclofenac and other NSAIDs in high-risk patients but also as a safe and efficacious option for the daily management of osteoarthritis-related joint pain.”

Click here to read the original research.

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