What Is the Difference between Diclofenac and Serratiopeptidase?

The primary difference between diclofenac and serratiopeptidase is that diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, whereas serratiopeptidase is a biological enzyme believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory drugs and substances are very beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and related variations: gout, musculoskeletal ailments, and other painful conditions related to swelling. Both diclofenac and serratiopeptidase are thought to be potential treatments for disorders of this nature.

Diclofenac is also utilized in the treatment of a number of disorders outside the scope of typical inflammation. Among these are acute migraines and pain management of kidney stones and gallstones. This drug is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Association and is available over the counter in a number of trade and brand-name forms. A few of the common marketed names of this drug include Anuva, Feloran, and Dolex; however scores exist. The exact mechanism of action is not entirely understood, but most agree on the anti-inflammatory effects of diclofen.

Diclofenac and serratiopeptidase vary in production method. While diclofenac may be synthesized, serratiopeptidase must be garnered as a product of enterobacterium. Unlike diclofenac, which is regularly accepted by the medical community as a common NSAID, the anti-inflammatory benefits of serratiopeptidase are much more disputed. There has been research conducted that exhibits evidence of such effectiveness; however some professionals have deemed it minimal and of questionable methodology. For this reason, serratiopeptidase remains an alternative measure for the treatment of inflammation.

Both diclofenac and serratiopeptidase pose a risk for adverse effects. Although usually minimal, there are instances in which such negative effects can threaten a person's life. These drugs both may affect the cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as others. For this reason, it is best to use both diclofenac and serratiopeptidase under the close supervision of a health care provider.

There are a number of health care professionals who are recognized as practitioners of alternative medicine. This is a broad term describing the growing population of individuals who use measures outside the typical scope of allopathic (Western) medicine to treat patients. While there is some evidence of very successful alternative measures, such as serratiopeptidase, there is also contrasting evidence in denial of their true benefit. The complexities of the human body and methods used to treat it make any definitive answer very unlikely in the near future; however, individuals should take responsibility for locating providers they trust.