The use of gecko (specifically, the dried body of Gekko gecko, also known as "ge jie" in traditional Chinese medicine) for treating respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, is primarily justified by traditional rather than scientific evidence. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), gecko has been used for hundreds of years as an ingredient believed to tonify the lung and kidney, support yang energy, and alleviate chronic cough and asthma. Some TCM texts suggest its use for conditions characterized by deficiency symptoms such as chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which can overlap with symptoms seen in pneumonia. However, these uses are based on traditional theory and empirical use rather than controlled clinical studies.

There is very limited scientific research to support the efficacy of gecko for pneumonia specifically. A few laboratory studies have examined potential immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory properties of gecko extracts, but these are preliminary and do not directly demonstrate efficacy for pneumonia in humans. No high-quality randomized controlled trials or robust clinical data exist to validate its use for pneumonia. Therefore, while gecko is traditionally used for respiratory issues in TCM, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its use for treating pneumonia.