Botulinum toxin

Botox is a neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can cause the deadly disease known as botulism leading to respiratory paralysis. It is considered one of the most lethal poisons in the world, with an LD50 of only one nanogram per kilogram of body weight. Just 100 nanograms (0.0000001 grams) of Botox can be fatal for a person weighing 70 kilograms.

This toxin was first discovered in the 18th century in Germany due to food contamination. It causes progressive paralysis by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for muscle contraction. Death from botulism occurs as a result of diaphragm paralysis leading to asphyxiation.

Interestingly, Botox is estimated to cost around $1,500,000,000 per gram, making it incredibly expensive. For comparison, 100 grams of Botox would cost the same as the International Space Station. Furthermore, this amount of toxin, if administered individually, could potentially kill a quarter of the world's population.

Maitotoxin

Ciguatera is a disease caused by the unicellular organism alga Gambierdiscus toxicus, which is a type of marine dinoflagellate. This disease is endemic to tropical and subtropical areas, particularly in coral reef regions. Fish contaminated with this algae can cause poisoning and lead to ciguatera. Maitotoxin, one of the most potent marine poisons, is produced by this organism and has an LD50 of 50 ng/kg. It works by increasing the flow of Ca 2+ ions in the heart muscle, which can result in heart failure and death. Other algae, such as ciguatoxin-1, scaritoxin, palytoxin, and okadaic acid, also produce ciguatera.

Batracotoxin

Batrachotoxin is an alkaloid that is produced by various species of frogs, including Phyllobates and Dendrobates, as well as certain species of birds such as Pitohui, Ifrita kowaldi, and Colluricincla megarhynchos. Among these, the frog Phyllobates terribilis is known for producing the most potent form of batrachotoxin poison.

The LD50 dose of batrachotoxin is 2 µg/kg, which means that a tiny amount equivalent to the weight of a pair of fine table salt grains can be lethal to a person. Batrachotoxin works by preventing the closure of sodium channels in nerve cells and muscle cells. As a result, it can lead to cardiac arrest, ultimately causing death.

VX — Nerve Agent

VX O-ethyl S-2  is a highly toxic substance of synthetic origin discovered in the 1950s while being investigated with insecticides. It has an LD50 of 3 µg / kg and acts by blocking the action of acetylcholinesterase in neuromuscular synapses. Death is usually due to respiratory paralysis.

VX is considered a chemical weapon classified as a nerve agent. Its manufacture was banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention, signed in 1993 and put into effect in 1997, although NATO and the signatory countries of the Warsaw Pact maintain reservations, at least declared. In 2017, the VX became popular in the media for its involvement in the death of Kim Jong-Nam, brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Ricin

Ricin is a toxin found in the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It has a wide range of oral LD50, ranging from 1 to 20 mg/kg. Ingesting just a few seeds can be lethal to a person. When inhaled or administered intravenously, the LD50 is even lower. Ricin is classified as a Ribosome Inactivating Protein, as it functions by attaching to ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis.