Rubia yunnanensis, also known as Yunnan madder, is a plant traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine. Its primary historical applications have been for promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and relieving pain. In the context of gout, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sometimes includes Rubia yunnanensis in polyherbal formulas aimed at reducing inflammation and alleviating joint pain associated with "wind-dampness" or blood stasis syndromes, which are somewhat analogous to the symptoms of gout. However, references to its use are mostly found in ethnobotanical and herbal compendia rather than in controlled clinical research.

Scientific studies specifically investigating Rubia yunnanensis for gout are lacking. There is limited preclinical research suggesting that some compounds in the Rubia genus may have anti-inflammatory or uric acid-lowering effects, but these findings are not robust or directly linked to Rubia yunnanensis. Therefore, the justification for its use in gout treatment is primarily based on traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation. The overall quality of evidence supporting its effectiveness for gout is weak, reflecting its role as a traditional remedy rather than a scientifically proven treatment.