The hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are used extensively in the treatment of dyslipidemia, and for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease and stroke. They have also demonstrated a benefit in a variety of other disease processes through their non-lipid lowering properties, known as pleiotropic effects. Our paper serves as a focused and updated discussion of the pleiotropic effects of statins in gastrointestinal disorders.