Abstract: A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of non-inflammatory bowel diseases, diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome or other non-specific bowel disorder is disclosed comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment or prophylaxis an effective amount of balsalazide, or a 4-ASA or 5-ASA compound modified to include a 4-ABA side chain, or a salt or a derivative thereof, or a composition comprising balsalazide the modified compound, or a salt or a derivative thereof together with a suitable carrier. Use of balsalazide, a 4-ASA or 5-ASA compound modified to include a 4-ABA side chain, or a salt or derivative thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of non-inflammatory bowel diseases, diarrhoea-pre-dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other non-specific bowel disorder is also disclosed.