An Exploratory Study on Beneficial Effect of BE-FD-1 (Mineral-Enriched Raphanus sativus L. Leaf Extract) in
Sung Jin Kim1, Kyeong-No Yoon2, Daewon Hwang1
1Department of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea.
Background/Objectives:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and systemic complications.
Methods:
In this preliminary study, the metabolic effects of BE-FD-1, a water extract of Raphanus sativus L. leaves cultivated under a mineral-fortification protocol, were investigated in a high-fat-diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of vanadium, chromium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium in radish leaf. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 5/group) were orally administered BE-FD-1 at 250 or 500 mg/kg once daily for four weeks, with metformin (250 mg/kg) as a positive reference.
Results:
BE-FD-1 at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the oral glucose tolerance test area under the curve and fasting blood glucose levels, significantly restored serum insulin levels, and significantly decreased serum ALT, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels relative to the HFD/STZ control group. Body weight gain and AST showed non-significant decreasing tendencies. Serum creatinine remained within the normal range, providing a preliminary safety signal that should be interpreted with caution given the absence of additional renal biomarkers and histopathological evaluation.
Conclusions:
These exploratory findings suggest that BE-FD-1 may warrant further investigation as a candidate functional ingredient for T2DM-related metabolic dysfunction; however, larger studies with comprehensive phytochemical characterization, mechanistic validation, and broader safety evaluation are required.