Botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin (commonly called botox), is a very powerful neurotoxic protein created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.[1] It stops the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction.
The neurotoxin creates flaccid paralysis.[2] The toxin causes the disease botulism. The toxin is also used widely for medical and cosmetic reasons.