Botulinum Toxin aka The Miracle Poison

It is known to be one of the most virulent biological substances, it is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is known to grow best under hypoxic conditions. Bacteria form spores and maintain dormancy until they encounter a condition where they can not support their growth. Clostridium produces eight antigenically distinguishable exotoxins (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F and G). All mutations in this microorganism interfere with neurotransmission and cause muscle paralysis by blocking the release of the major neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction (Dolly, 1997).

Botulinum neurotoxin was first identified in 1897 and is a product of anaerobic bacteria, botulinum, causing botulism food poisoning. In the 1940's, type A botulinum toxin was purified and isolated in crystalline form. In 1989, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved type A botulinum toxin as a treatment for strabismus, eyelids, unilateral facial spasm. It is approved for use in cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis and cosmetic applications. Currently there are more than 30 symptoms, of which type A botulinum toxin is reported to be beneficial.

Toxin toxin is thought to be the main component of botulinum toxin. "Botox is a neuromuscular blocker produced by Clostridium botulinum (anaerobic bacteria) that grows in contaminated foods and causes severe muscle paralysis after ingestion The injected form of purified botulinum toxin , Can be administered in small doses to prevent chemicals called acetylcholine from being released from muscle contractile nerve cells.

This product is derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin, its pure form is one of the most powerful biotoxins known. However, when used in cosmetics, application amount is small, it is almost impossible to produce a systemic effect. I rarely can see it. It occurs temporarily when it occurs. Botox is very safe. Local birthmarks, redness, headache are the most common. Symptoms such as influenza and nausea are less common. The most worriing side effect is unintended weakness of upper eyelid muscle. This lasts 2 to 6 weeks and can be reduced with prescribed eye drops