Botulinum toxin historical aspects: from food poisoning to pharmaceutical

Int J Dermatol. 2011 Aug;50(8):976-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04821.x.

Abstract

Background: In the history of medicine, unexpected coincidences indicated the development of new treatment options.

Objective: One of the most peculiar ones concerns the finding of botulinum toxin, and this should be familiar to physicians using the drug.

Methods: A survey through the history of the "fat-poison" has been performed.

Result: A poison turned to one of the most popular drugs in aesthetic medicine.

Conclusion: Depending on the dose, a substance may be poisonous or not.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins / history*
  • Foodborne Diseases / history*
  • Germany
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Pharmacists / history*
  • Poetry as Topic / history*
  • Poisons / history*

Substances

  • Poisons
  • Botulinum Toxins

Personal name as subject

  • Justinus Andreas Christian Kerner