/ Aspirin Content for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis en /news/plants-walk-fine-line-between-growth-and-defense <p>Salicylic acid, the active molecule in aspirin and some acne medications, is a hormone in plants that is essential for immunity, but it’s a double-edged sword: Too much can cause autoimmunity and stunt growth. In a new study published April 20 in Nature Communications,<em>&nbsp;</em>University of California, Davis, researchers discovered that plants use a surprising multi-layered system to regulate salicylic acid levels and keep their immune system in check.</p> May 04, 2026 - 4:23pm Andy Fell /news/plants-walk-fine-line-between-growth-and-defense