With the improvement of the people's living standard, the change of dietary structure and the improvement of colonoscopy, the detection rate of “melanosis coli” has increased significantly. The specific cause, the pathogenesis and the malignant change are not conclusive, while it has brought significant anxiety to the patients who have detected “melanosis coli” and has caused medical disputes. The relevant research papers we have reviewed in recent years is analyzed and combed from the aspects of definition, harm, causes and social influence. It is considered that the “melanosis coli” should be renamed as “Colonic pigmentation”, and it is worthwhile for the government to pay great attention to and guide it.