The use of animal horn, such as rhinoceros horn or water buffalo horn, in the treatment of gout is primarily rooted in traditional medicine practices, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Historically, these horns have been valued for their purported ability to "clear heat" and "detoxify" the body, which in TCM theory is believed to help with inflammatory conditions like gout. The earliest records of this practice can be traced back centuries in classical Chinese medical texts, where powdered horn was prescribed for febrile illnesses and conditions characterized by swelling and pain, such as gout. However, there is no robust scientific evidence to support the efficacy of horn in treating gout. Modern research has not validated any specific pharmacological benefit of horn products for gout, and the active constituents responsible for any purported effect remain unidentified. Furthermore, ethical and conservation concerns, particularly regarding the use of rhinoceros horn, have led to increased scrutiny and regulation. In summary, while the use of horn for gout has strong roots in tradition, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is minimal to nonexistent, and its continued use is primarily based on historical precedent rather than validated clinical outcomes.