Botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is marketed under the name Botox, and is a natural protein synthesised by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

The toxin causes botulism and is a muscle paralysing agent. Its neurotoxic properties make botulinum toxin the most potent poison known.

It is used in medicine to treat excessive sweating, dystonia, and even to treat migraine.

It has been widely publicised in the media for its use in cosmetic medicine because it removes wrinkles when applied by local injection .