Ursane-type triterpenoids, a class of natural compounds found in many medicinal plants (notably Centella asiatica and Eriobotrya japonica), have been investigated for their potential benefits in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Scientific studies, particularly in vitro and animal models, suggest these triterpenoids—such as ursolic acid and asiatic acid—possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Mechanistically, they appear to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inhibit pathways central to RA pathology, such as NF-κB signaling. For instance, research published in Phytomedicine and International Immunopharmacology has demonstrated that ursolic acid reduces paw swelling and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritis models in rodents, and decreases inflammatory mediators in cell-based assays.

However, the evidence remains primarily preclinical; there are currently no robust, large-scale human clinical trials specifically evaluating ursane-type triterpenoids for RA. The available data are promising but preliminary, justifying a modest evidence score. While some traditional systems of medicine use plants containing these compounds for joint pain, the linkage to RA specifically is not well-documented historically. Therefore, the current scientific support is limited and not yet sufficient for clinical recommendation.