Botox derives from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is present in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, forests, and in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish.

However, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, (AOCD), Botox is safe and has few side effects when used in a therapeutic context.

Manufacturers make Botox injections from very small doses of botulinum toxin. The drug can temporarily paralyze muscles, which can benefit a range of muscle- and nerve-related disorders.

Commercial versions of Botulinum toxin include:

• Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A)
• Dysport (abobotulinumtoxin A)
• Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxin A)
• Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxin B)
• Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxin A)

People use the term Botox interchangeably for these various products, though “Botox” is the registered trademark of Allergan Inc.

Botox is a neurotoxin. These substances target the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signalling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. This is how the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis.

In order for muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction where the nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the muscle cells to contract or shorten.

Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops muscle cells from contracting. The toxin reduces abnormal muscle contraction, allowing the muscles to become less stiff.