Study of Ligmed-A, an antidiarrheal drug based on lignin, on rat small intestine enzyme activity and morphometry.

This study aimed to determine the potential toxic effect of 4-day oral treatment with a lignin-based formulation on the enzymatic activity and morphology of the small intestine of rat. Ligmed-A is collected from sugarcane and is used to treat diarrhea in weaning pigs. The compound is about 90% lignin, an insoluble polyphenolic constituent of plants and a component of dietary fiber. The duodenal, jejunal and ileal mucosa of control rats and those receiving 2 g/kg Ligmed-A showed similar protein contents of about 100 mg/g. The sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities of the three intestinal segments were unaltered after administration of the compound. Nonhistological alterations were observed after treatment. Our results, together with those of previous studies which found no toxicological effects, indicate that Ligmed-A could provide a potent antidiarrheal treatment in the veterinary area. However, further studies are required to examine its use in humans.