Botulin toxin or botox is the toxic compound produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is an enzyme that breaks down one of the fusion proteins that allow neurons to release acetylcholine at a neuromuscular junction. By interfering with nerve impulses in this way, it causes paralysis of muscles in botulism. The toxin is a two-chain polypeptide with a 100 kDa heavy chain joined by a disulphide bond to a 50-kD light chain. It is possibly the most toxic substance known, with a lethal do

Botox is most commonly used to smooth out wrinkles but can be used to help in many other cases. It's been found that botox injections can help children with cerebral palsy from agravating and suffering some other side effects. Muscle tension that often occurs with cerebral palsy has been seen to ameliorate while using botox. A side effect is a dry mouth, but in the case of neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, where excessive drooling is a problem, this is actually helpful.

It's been found that BT, the botulinum toxin, injected into the prostate reduces the levels of prostate-specific antigen and the prostatic hyperplasia symptoms while being well tolerated. These results have been observed in a preliminary trial that was placebo controlled. The trial went great with no systemic adverse effects or any complications.

The botulinum toxin type A can be deadly, paralyzing muscles needed for breathing, but only very small doses are given in medical or cosmetic treatments.

Botox works by blocking the signal that nerves are trying to pass to the muscles.