Botulinum toxin is one of the deadliest toxins on earth and even miniscule amounts (1-2 μg) can be lethal.

Although, increased understanding of how this neurotoxin works has led to the therapeutic use in modern medicine with seemingly low side effects and complications, there has been increasing evidence of the toxin’s ability to spread from the site of injection and a Central Nervous System (CNS) toxicity.

It is these CNS effects and a possible interactions with spinal pathways that is leading the latest studies in harnessing the neurotoxins (or rather their lab-made non-toxic derivatives) as a possible delivery agents of drugs to the spinal cord. However, there is still much we don’t understand when it comes to the intracellular pathways and a lot is yet to be discovered.

Botulinum neurotoxin is widely used in cosmetics, but how does it actually work?

The toxin blocks the neural transmitter (acetylcholine) by splitting specific cell membrane proteins in neurons called SNARE, that are responsible for its secretion. This stops nerve signaling, leading to paralysis. This blockage is slowly reversed as the toxin loses activity and the SNARE proteins are slowly regenerated by the affected cell.  Botulinum Neurotoxin causes functional damage to SNARE proteins, which has significant physiological and medical implications. Much research has been linking dysfunction of SNARE proteins to schizophrenia and bipolar illness to name just a couple.

When Botulinum Toxin is given over a prolonged period of time real muscle atrophy can occur.  

It is widely known, the skin interacts with the nervous system and there is increasing evidence that the neurological system directly participates in cutaneous inflammation and wound healing.

At ALBIVA rather than focus on weakening our cells structure, we use the latest bio-active compounds to strengthen and stimulate our skin’s cellular function.

Our extract from Spilanthes Acmella (Paracress) is renowned for high content of alkylamides (specifically spilanthol) which boost cellular dynamism by stimulating fibroblast (rejuvenating cells) biomechanical function, which in turn reorganizes & tightens the collagen fiber network. This reinforces the architecture of the dermis, enhances density of the skin and firmness. Known as a botanical botox, these fatty acid amides are excellent at penetrating skin and bioavailable. 

A clinical study on this potent plant active conducted on 28 volunteers aged 45 to 65 reported up to 50% reduction of the wrinkle surface measured by laser profilometry.

Botanical botox – want to give it a try?