Ajaz Ahmad

ABSTRACTGlutamate is a neuro transmitter and is responsible for communication between cells. Under pathophysiological conditions its concentration is increased within the brain and results in glutamate toxicity. Increased glutamate in the brain can elicit damage and ultimately neuronal death. Glutamate toxicity is associated with various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and head trauma. However, it should be noted here that the molecular mechanism behind the glutamate toxicity is not fully understood and is quiet complex. Reducing glutamate toxicity is considered to be the most essential strategy to combat various neurological disorders. In this review, we have summarized previous studies to understand the cellular effects associated with the glutamate toxicity Keywords: Glutamate toxicity, Neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Glutamate transporter-1

The Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae) is one of the medicinal plants, Native to North America, commonly distributed in various regions of Kashmir. The plant is used as an antispasmodium, febrifuge, antioxidant;diuretic, emollient, antitumor etc. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anticancer, antibacterial potentials of Robinia pseudoacacia along with the phytochemical screening of the major constituents of the aforesaid plant. The extracts of the Robinia pseudoacacia were phytochemically screened for the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids Saponins, Tannins, and Phenols. However the positive results for the detection of Flavonoids, Tannins and phenols were obtained. Further, the Methanolic extract of the same plant was evaluated for its anti-microbial activities where 100mg/ml of the extract showed between 12-19mm inhibitory zones on the test organism. The aforementioned plant’s ethanolic extract also showed anticancer activity against four cancer cell lines – C6, MFC, T47D and A549 using MTT assay.