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Botulinum Neurotoxin History

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  • First Online:
Handbook of Neurotoxicity

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Abstract

Botulinum toxin is an incredibly potent neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. There are eight known serotypes (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G) of the toxin, of which toxins A and B are the most utilized today for their use in beauty and cosmetic dermatology. Although it has become widely known for its use in cosmetic dermatology, this toxin has not always been met with such popularity. While the earliest anecdotes of the toxin were from the late eighteenth century, it was not until the nineteenth century when the toxin was first isolated and consequently named. Finally, the late twentieth century heralded the first therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in medicine, where it was used to treat strabismus. Furthermore, the cosmetic and beauty industry has revolutionized its use. Botulinum toxin has indications in medical treatment outside of cosmetic dermatology, such as for hyperhidrosis, migraines, and focal dystonias. As the future of medicine continues to evolve, additional therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin may appear right around the corner. By understanding the history of this once feared neurotoxin, one can truly begin to appreciate its journey – from poison to therapy.

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Abbreviations

BoNT:

Botulinum neurotoxin

OnabotA:

OnabotulinumtoxinA

MDD:

Major depressive disorder

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Scott Stratman

  2. Columbia University Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA

    Rafle Fernandez

  3. Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Katlein França

Authors
  1. Scott Stratman
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  2. Rafle Fernandez
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  3. Katlein França
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katlein França .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Richard M. Kostrzewa

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Stratman, S., Fernandez, R., França, K. (2022). Botulinum Neurotoxin History. In: Kostrzewa, R.M. (eds) Handbook of Neurotoxicity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15080-7_199

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