Assessment of the neurotoxicity of monosodium glutamate on neural stem cells and hippocampal neurogenesis in a rodent model.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer in processed foods and valued for its ability to enhance the savory taste known as umami. MSG is classified as non-toxic and recognized as a safe food additive with no specific usage restrictions in many countries. However, neurotoxic studies on MSG have primarily focused on neurons, and the effects of MSG on neural stem cells (NSCs) have not been reported.