Evidence supporting the use of: Gecko
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gecko (commonly referring to the dried body of the Tokay gecko, Gekko gecko) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is traditionally employed as a remedy for chronic coughs, particularly those considered to be of a "spastic" or persistent nature, as well as for asthma and general debility. In TCM, gecko is believed to "tonify the lung and kidney," helping to relieve symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions, which may include spastic cough. The use is often in combination with other herbs in decoctions or pills.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some animal studies and laboratory research have explored possible immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of gecko extracts, but these are preliminary and not directly related to cough suppression in humans. There is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to support the efficacy of gecko for treating cough, spastic or otherwise. Therefore, while the use of gecko for spastic cough is justified by historical and ethnomedical tradition, it does not currently have strong scientific backing.

In summary, gecko is used for spastic cough primarily based on traditional practice, with limited scientific investigation and no robust clinical trials confirming its benefit for this specific indication.

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Products containing Gecko

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