Botox is a facial treatment recently going viral mostly done by celebrities. It involves injection of a purified form of botulinum neurotoxin into the facial muscles to avoid wrinkles temporarily. This neurotoxin blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which signals the contractions of muscles. Thus, muscle contractions are put on hold and wrinkles are prevented.
Apart from being used as a cosmetic procedure, Botox treatment is also useful in treating conditions like bruxism, hyperhidrosis and various other eye and neurological conditions. The application of botulism neurotoxin is similar across cosmetic and therapeutic procedures. However, the site of injection of the toxin varies, muscles or glands depending on the purpose of treatment.
Botulinum neurotoxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is commonly found in soil, sediments and also in the intestines of animals. This toxin is one of the most lethal substances .
Threats by Botulinum neurotox in
· Can lead to food poisoning by a specific type foodborne botuli sm.
· May cause paralysis of respiratory muscles leading to respiratory fail ure.
· Can cause neurological dysfunc tion.
· Listed as a category A bioterrorism agent by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This is one of the perfect examples of paradox in nature. A substance from nature which is harmful can be scientifically tailored to be bene ficial.
Are you aware of any other examples in nature similar to this? Comment below
MBH/PS