Abstract: This article summarizes the research progress of astaxanthin in treatment of the inflammation and lung diseases，introduces that astaxanthin can reduce the production of pro⁃inflammatory factors，inhibit inflammation，or increase the production of anti⁃inflammatory factors through various pathways（such as nuclear transcription factor，tumor necrosis factor，interleukin，interferon，Tand B cells，etc.）and maintain the dynamic balance between pro⁃inflammatory factors and anti⁃inflammatory factors to avoid excessive inflammatory reaction and damage；in addition，astaxanthin has functional effects such as improving acute lung injury，reducing lung fibrosis，and inhibiting lung cancer.The prospect of astaxanthin as a new type of biological product for preventing/delaying and reducing inflammation and lung diseases as well as accelerating physical rehabilitation is prospected.

Key words: Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin, inflammation, lung disease