Summary
Botulinum toxin, also called the “miracle toxin,” is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is known to block nerve signals that contract muscles resulting in a temporary paralysis of the muscles. Toxins type A and B have been extensively studied and utilized in the realm of beauty and cosmetology. Initially, the toxin gained popularity as a disease-causing “poison”. It was only later that it found its way to becoming a must have in modern aesthetic practice. Today, this wonder toxin has proven to be an apt and convenient option in the field of anti-aging medicine.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Nigam PK, Nigam A. Botulinum toxin. Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55:8–14.
Satila H. The route of botulinum toxin from cause of food poisoning to medical remedy. Duodecim. 2014;130:1523–30.
Erbguth FJ, Naumann M. Historical aspects of botulinum toxin: Justinus Kerner (1786–1862) and the “sausage poison”. Neurology. 1999;53:1850–3.
Erbguth FJ. Historical notes on botulism, clostridium botulinum, botulinum toxin, and the idea of the therapeutic use of the toxin. Mov Disord. 2004;19(8):S2–S6.
Erbguth FJ. From poison to remedy: the chequered history of botulinum toxin. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2008;115:559–65.
Lamanna C, Mc EO, Eklund HW. The purification and crystallization of Clostridium botulinum type A toxin. Science. 1946;103:613.
Small R. Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90:168–75.
Loyo M, Kontis TC. Cosmetic botulinum toxin: has it replaced more invasive facial procedures? Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2013;21:285–98.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
K. França, A. Kumar, M. Fioranelli, T. Lotti, M. Tirant, and M.G. Roccia declare that they have no competing interests.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
França, K., Kumar, A., Fioranelli, M. et al. The history of Botulinum toxin: from poison to beauty. Wien Med Wochenschr 167 (Suppl 1), 46–48 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-017-0553-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-017-0553-7