Abstract:

Cassia fistula L., an Indian Laburnum has therapeutics significance in human healthcare since ancient days. Its pod is known to rich sources of anthraquinones. Anthraquinone compounds have antiviral as well as immune modulatory properties. Human IFIT1 protein (Interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1) is a crucial component of innate immunity. The expression of IFIT1 protein normally remains silent but strongly induced after interferon’s (IFNs) treatment or viral infections. IFIT1 protein indeed has broad spectrum of antiviral activity by blocking different stages of viral replication, translation and assembly of new viral proteins. Modulation of IFIT1 protein expression may be useful in the treatment of viral diseases