Bauhinia variegata, commonly known as the mountain ebony or camel's foot tree, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine across India and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, including its bark and flowers, have been used to address inflammatory conditions, including those resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The rationale for its use in RA is primarily based on its purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as observed in traditional remedies. Classical Ayurvedic texts mention its use for "Ama-vata," a condition similar to rheumatoid arthritis in its clinical presentation.

Scientific validation for the use of Bauhinia variegata in rheumatoid arthritis is limited. A few preliminary studies have evaluated extracts of the plant for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in vitro and in animal models. For instance, some research has shown that extracts can reduce markers of inflammation such as paw edema in rats. However, these studies are not specific to rheumatoid arthritis, and there are no robust clinical trials in humans that directly assess its efficacy for RA. Thus, while the traditional use is well-documented, modern scientific evidence remains insufficient, and its rating reflects the gap between ethnomedicinal use and clinical validation.