Aspirin crystals. Aspirin was originally extracted from willow bark but is actually produced in all plants as a defence mechanism in response to damage or attack. Much higher levels are therefore found in less than perfect fruit and vegetables. Aspirin is used to treat pain, reduce fever and to prevent heart disease and cancer. Some people think it should be reclassified as a vitamin.

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Credit: Aspirin crystals. Aspirin was originally extracted from willow bark but is actually produced in all plants as a defence mechanism in response to damage or attack. Much higher levels are therefore found in less than perfect fruit and vegetables. Aspirin is used to treat pain, reduce fever and to prevent heart disease and cancer. Some people think it should be reclassified as a vitamin. Annie Cavanagh. Source: Wellcome Collection.