Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a chronic and enduring inflammatory condition of the intestines, primarily mediated by the immune system, and predominantly includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The pathogenesis of IBD is intricate, with current therapeutic modalities comprising pharmacological treatments, endoscopic procedures, and surgical interventions. In recent years, there has been substantial exploration into the application of stem cell therapy for IBD, revealing promising potential for clinical application. Based on clinical and basic research literature published in recent years, this article focuses on discussing the methods and approaches of stem cell therapy for IBD.