Botulinum toxin is a protein best known by one of its trade names, Botox or Dysport, it is used for various medical and cosmetic procedures.
Botulism toxins are produced by these bacteria: Clostridium botulinum, C. baratii, C. argentinense and C. butyricum.
It was Justinus Kerner, a German physician, who first coined the name botulism (from Latin botulus meaning "sausage").
In 1980, Alan Scott, M.D officially used botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for the first time in humans to treat strabismus "crossed eyes", and "uncontrollable blinking" (blepharospasm).
In December 1989, Botox manufactured by Allergan, Inc., was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Studies have shown that 90 percent of blepharospasm notice a significant reduction in twitches for 4 to 6 months after having botox injections around the eyes.
Botox injections can safely reduce underarm sweat for up to 2 years.
4 kg (8.8 pounds) of the botulism toxin, if evenly distributed, would be more than enough to kill the entire human population of the world.
Even though Botox is derived from a potentially toxic substance, it is given is such small amounts that it poses no risk to health.
In cosmetics, a Botox injection, can be used to prevent formation of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles.
Botox injection is the most common cosmetic operation in the United States.
The wrinkle preventing effect of Botox lasts for approximately 3 to 4 months, up to six months.
