15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I is a bioactive compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. While Salvia miltiorrhiza has a long history of use in traditional medicine for cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, the specific use of 15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based on recent scientific research rather than traditional practice.

A handful of preclinical studies have demonstrated that 15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may be relevant for RA. In vitro experiments and animal models suggest that the compound can suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), attenuating the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, and reducing oxidative stress. Some studies have shown that it can decrease joint inflammation and cartilage destruction in rodent models of arthritis.

However, there are no clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating 15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I for RA, and the evidence is limited to laboratory and animal studies. Therefore, while the compound shows promise and is the subject of ongoing research, the current scientific evidence supporting its use for rheumatoid arthritis is preliminary and rated as low (2/5).