Mineral-enriched radish leaf extract BE-FD-1 improves glucose tolerance, insulin, and lipid profiles in diabetic mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, progressive β-cell dysfunction, and systemic complications. Current therapeutic strategies often target glucose control but may not fully address the multifaceted metabolic dysregulation or carry side effects. There is a growing interest in functional ingredients derived from natural sources, such as plant extracts, to offer complementary or alternative approaches to manage T2DM and its associated metabolic dysfunction, including dyslipidemia and hepatic stress, by modulating pathways beyond conventional pharmaceuticals.

Researchers investigated the metabolic effects of BE-FD-1, a water extract from mineral-fortified Raphanus sativus L. leaves, in a high-fat-diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 5/group) were orally administered BE-FD-1 at 250 or 500 mg/kg once daily for four weeks. A positive control group received metformin at 250 mg/kg, while a diabetic control received vehicle. Key endpoints included oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, serum ALT, triglyceride, total cholesterol, AST, and creatinine levels.

Oral administration of BE-FD-1 at 500 mg/kg significantly improved several metabolic parameters in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice. This dose significantly reduced the oral glucose tolerance test area under the curve and fasting blood glucose levels compared to the HFD/STZ control group. Furthermore, BE-FD-1 at 500 mg/kg significantly restored serum insulin levels, indicating improved pancreatic β-cell function or reduced insulin resistance. The extract also demonstrated beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, significantly decreasing serum ALT, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels. Body weight gain and AST levels showed non-significant decreasing tendencies. Importantly, serum creatinine levels remained within the normal range across all treatment groups, suggesting a preliminary safety profile for renal function. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of vanadium, chromium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium in the radish leaf extract. > BE-FD-1 at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced glucose intolerance, restored insulin levels, and improved lipid profiles in diabetic mice.