<p>Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both may present with similar symptoms, but the difference lies in their anatomical location. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss but can progress into ulceration, intestinal perforation, abscess fistula, bleeding, etc. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it is widely accepted that IBD is caused by abnormal immune responses in genetically susceptible individuals. Previously, it was prevalent in the developed countries only, but now there is an alarming increase in the number of cases in the developing and least developed countries as well. Conventional therapies present limitations like adverse effects, dose repetition, low bioavailability, and fluctuations in plasma levels which are some of the challenges faced. Nanomedicine may offer solutions to this conundrum, due to targeted drug delivery, better bioavailability, and fewer dose-related side effects. Several classes of drugs, converted into nano form, have been tested against IBD like aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, phytochemicals, metals, and metalloids. However, the downside is that despite promising results, none of the nanoformulations is available commercially for IBD, owing to the need for extensive in vivo, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity studies. The conversion of conventional drugs into nanoformulations holds a promising future for the efficacious management of IBD.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>