for the greater good

"In this study, hairless mice exposed to solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation (SSUV) were topically treated, post-radiation, with lotions containing pycnogenol. Dose-dependent reductions in the inflammatory sunburn reaction and immunosuppression (as manifested by suppression of contact hypersensitivity reactions) were observed as a result of pycnogenol treatment. Tumor formation, induced by chronic exposure to SSUV for 5 days/week for 10 weeks, was delayed in mice treated with higher doses of pycnogenol. Tumor prevalence also was significantly reduced, from 100% in control mice to 85% in mice treated with 0.2% pycnogenol. Researchers concluded that topical pycnogenol exhibits potential as a photoprotective complement to sunscreens, clearly showing biologic activity when applied after exposure to UV radiation (Photochem. Photobiol. 79[2]:193-98, 2004)."

while reading about pycnogenol, came across several paragraphs on mice/rabbit's under test conditions. animal testing - cruel, heartless, downright abusive activity that is however, a necessary sacrifice in our pursuit for knowledge and progress?