Three-leaf akebia (Akebia trifoliata) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health conditions, including as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and to treat pain. Its use in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is primarily based on historical and traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. Traditional Chinese medical texts may list akebia among the herbs used to "dispel wind-dampness" and "relieve pain," which are concepts often associated with joint conditions like RA in traditional frameworks.

However, there is minimal modern scientific research specifically evaluating the efficacy or safety of Three-leaf akebia for rheumatoid arthritis. Most available studies on Akebia trifoliata focus on its general anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in vitro or in animal models, but these are not directly connected to RA in humans. No high-quality clinical trials or systematic reviews have validated its effectiveness for RA management. Thus, while its use is supported by tradition, the scientific evidence is limited and does not provide a strong foundation for recommending it in the context of rheumatoid arthritis.