Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 13 4 2021 08 11 434 441 Ali-Reza Ahmadi Department of Biomedical Sciences, Women Research Center, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran Roya Ayazi-Nasrabadi Department of Biomedical Sciences, Women Research Center, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran 2021 01 24 2021 05 29 Inflammation acts like a double-edged sword and can be harmful if not appropriately controlled. COVID-19 is created through a novel species of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV). Elevated levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), etc. lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and severe complications of infection in the lungs of coronavirus-infected patients. Astaxanthin is a natural and potent carotenoid with powerful antioxidant activity as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that supports good health. The effects of astaxanthin on the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways and the reduction and suppression of cytokines and other inflammatory agents such as IL-6 and TNF-α have already been identified. Therefore, these unique features can make this natural compound an excellent option to minimize inflammation and its consequences. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/2955 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/2955/1363