Basel – Thermal waters from the Euganean basin, long known for their therapeutic use, may also help reduce inflammation triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The finding comes from a study by researchers at the University of Padua, published in the journal Biomedicines.

The research, carried out on human airway epithelial cells, showed that treatment with salsobromoiodic thermal water led to a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines and modulated the activity of the ACE2 receptor, the virus’s entry point into cells. “Although these are laboratory results, they suggest a potential protective effect and support the idea that thermal inhalation therapies could help maintain respiratory health in the presence of viral infections,” explained Prof. Stefano Masiero, corresponding author of the study.

Conducted in collaboration with the Pietro d’Abano Thermal Studies Center, Federalberghi Terme Abano Montegrotto, Fondazione Cariparo, and the Municipality of Abano Terme, the research indicates that Euganean thermal water could reinforce mucosal defenses and limit viral binding to cell receptors. While further clinical confirmation is needed, the team stresses that thermal water remains a safe natural resource for supporting respiratory health.