Butyrate is the main product of colonic and cecal microbiota in the fermentation of dietary fiber and some amino acids, which can reduce intestinal inflammation, regulate the balance of intestinal flora, and improve intestinal mucosal barrier. In recent years, a large number of studies at home and abroad have shown that butyrate plays a role in intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, colorectal cancer and short bowel syndrome. This article reviewed the research progress on role and mechanism of butyrate in intestinal diseases.