Adsorbents, such as activated charcoal, kaolin, and attapulgite, have been used in the treatment of diarrheal diseases including dysentery. Their primary mechanism involves binding toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing their absorption and mitigating symptoms. Historically, these agents were widely used in both traditional and early modern medicine, often as over-the-counter remedies for acute diarrhea and dysentery.

However, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is limited. Modern clinical guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and, when appropriate, antibiotics for dysentery (especially when caused by Shigella or amoebiasis). Several studies have shown that while adsorbents may slightly reduce the duration or frequency of diarrhea, their benefit is marginal compared to ORT, and they do not address the underlying infection or prevent complications. Most guidelines do not recommend adsorbents as first-line or essential therapy for dysentery.

Overall, while adsorbents have some limited scientific backing for symptomatic relief, they are not considered a primary or highly effective treatment for dysentery. Their use is mostly supplementary, and reliance on them alone is not supported by robust scientific evidence.