The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol (Res) on the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA). An AA model was established by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Ankle diameter, paw volume, arthritic index, gait score as well as paw histopathological examination were assessed to determine the anti-arthritic effect of Res. Resveratrol, at dose 50 mg/kg, was able to significantly alleviate rheumatoid related paw swelling and ankle diameter and decrease both arthritic and gait scores. Besides, a significant reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration in the ankle joint tissue was shown by histopathological examination. These findings confirm the anti-rheumatic activity of Res which can be correlated to its anti-inflammatory activity.