BOTOX® Cosmetic is the world’s most popular cosmetic injectable, and we inject more BOTOX at my Miami practice than any other practice in the world. But where did this idea originate?
Many people are aware that BOTOX® Cosmetic is made from botulinum toxin – a neurotoxin that can cause botulism. What is not so widely known is that BOTOX has been used for decades to treat a variety of medical conditions. Once researchers discovered the neurotoxin’s properties for blocking neuromuscular transmission, it gained widespread use in the treatment of crossed eyes, esophageal spasms, overactive bladder, and more. What many people may also not know, there are now 3 commercially available botulinum toxins in use in the United States: Dysport®, BOTOX, and XEOMIN®.
There is a long history in medicine of poisons being used for therapeutic purposes. When administered under the guidance of a qualified physician, plenty of potentially harmful substances can become powerful healers.
- Yellow scorpion venom: Massachusetts researchers have isolated a protein found in the venom of the Israeli yellow scorpion. This protein binds itself to cancerous cells in gliomas –brain tumors that can be aggressive and difficult to treat with conventional methods. When attached to a radioactive iodine solution and administered to a glioma patient, the protein in the venom carries the solution to the cancer cells, effectively destroying them.
- Deadly nightshade: This highly toxic plant has a long and colorful history of cosmetic and medicinal use. Women once used it to dilate their pupils, earning it the nickname “belladonna,” which is Italian for “beautiful lady.” Deadly nightshade produces a substance called atropine, which can be injected to increase the heart rate. It also inhibits salivary, sweat, and mucus glands, allowing it to treat a wide variety of symptoms. Due to its potency and versatility, deadly nightshade has the distinct honor of being listed on the World Health Organization’s “Essential Drugs List.”
- Copperhead venom: Copperheads strike fear into the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts all over the country. These snakes, members of the viper family, produce a protein in their venom called contortrostatin. Though more research is needed, contortrostatin has been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells and inhibit metastasis, and it’s a promising option for the future of cancer treatment.
Medicine is always changing, and there are always new developments on the horizon. From reducing wrinkles to fighting cancer, today’s toxins are often tomorrow’s healers.