 It causes excitotoxicity and is used in neuroscience to selectively destroy neurons in the brain or spinal cord.Quisqualic acid occurs naturally in the seeds of "Quisqualis" species.Research conducted by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, has demonstrated quisqualic acid is also present within the flower petals of zonal geranium ("Pelargonium x hortorum") and is responsible for causing rigid paralysis of the Japanese beetle.