Ligustrum Fruit (Ligustrum lucidum), known as "Nu Zhen Zi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal practices. Traditionally, it is believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen bones, and support general vitality. In the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ligustrum Fruit is not a primary herb but is sometimes included in formulas aimed at alleviating joint pain and inflammation, based on its purported ability to “tonify yin” and improve resilience against chronic diseases.

However, scientific evidence supporting Ligustrum Fruit’s efficacy specifically for RA is limited and mostly preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that Ligustrum lucidum extracts may possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, potentially relevant to autoimmune conditions like RA. These effects are attributed to compounds such as oleanolic acid and ligustroside. Nevertheless, there are no high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating its effectiveness for RA in humans. As such, its use for RA is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, Ligustrum Fruit’s use in RA is rooted in historical herbal medicine traditions, with minimal direct scientific support. It is sometimes included in multi-herb formulations for joint health, but should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based treatments.