Update 1/20/20. Several people have asked me about the weight loss supplement called Zi Xiu Tang. Let’s now review Zi Xiu Tang, its ingredients and see if its right for you. What you are reading now is the first review of Zi Ziu Tang. There is also an updated review of Zi Xiu Tang. Read this review first which covers the basic ingredients. Then, read the updated review which covers all the other ingredients and how it really works.
Update 4/8/14. The FDA warns people to immediately stop taking Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen weight loss supplements. It tested several Zi Xiu Tang products – including those that were said to be “genuine” and not counterfeit. The FDA found that some products contained not only sibutramine, an illegal weight loss drug but some also contained Phenolphthalein, a chemical that may increase the risk of cancer. See the FDA alert for more information.
Update. 10/24/12. The FDA has determined that Zi Xiu Tang contains an illegal weight loss drug called sibutramine. Do not take Zi Xiu Tang as it can lead to heart problems.
Update 6/26/12. I have written a review of ZXT Gold.
Update 6/18/13. I have written a review of Slim Trim U bee pollen weight loss supplement.
Update 7/25/12. Canadian health authorities have identified 2 drugs in ZXT Gold. See the ZXT Gold review for more information.
Zi Xiu Tang Ingredients
Zi Xiu Tang is composed of:
Bee pollen. One of the websites that sell Zi Xiu Tang says bee pollen is “known to stimulate metabolism” , “eliminate cravings” and “reduce appetite” but when I searched the National Library of Medicine for “bee pollen and metabolism” and “bee pollen and weight loss” no studies showed up. I wasn’t surprised because I've never seen any study showing that bee pollen raises the metabolic rate or promotes weight loss. Bee pollen appears to be the main ingredient in Zi Xiu Tang.
I did uncover a case report of kidney failure in somebody who was using a bee pollen supplement. Bee pollen may also cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Be sure you are not allergic to bee pollen before you try Zi Xiu Tang.
Chinese yam. This name is a little confusing because it also goes by the name “wild yam”. Other names include Rhizoma dioscoreae Dioscorea opposite. when I searched for whether this ingredient might help weight loss, I actually did find something. A study does show that Rhizoma dioscoreae might help weight loss – in mice. Specifically, mice that were fed a high-fat diet.
No study in humans showing a similar effect could be located.
Barbary wolfberry fruit. A more scientific name for this is Lycium barbarum. Many people also know it by its other names, Goji Berry. In a small study titled, Lycium barbarum increases caloric expenditure and decreases waist circumference in healthy overweight men and women: a pilot study, this herb was noted to reduce waist circumference and boost metabolism (by about 10%) more than those who received a placebo. The amount that seemed to garner these effects was 120 ml per day. This study lasted 2 weeks and involved a small number of people (about 15 in each group).
How much Barbary Wolfberry fruit is in Zi Xiu Tang? They don't tell us.
Lotus seed. There is not enough published proof one or another to say what this stuff does.
Dietary fiber. Dietary fiber – like all fiber helps slow digestion and makes people feel full. Fiber also has no calories. These are the reasons why dietitians are always telling people to eat more fruits and vegetables (which have fiber). The problem is how much fiber does Zi Xiu Tang contain? I was unable to find the answer on any of the Zi Xiu Tang websites I looked at.
Some Zi Xiu Tang websites claim that the product can detoxify the body. Detoxify is the new-age word for “laxative” Since Zi Xiu Tang has fiber, it makes sense that it would have a laxative effect. Since the supplement is said to contain no stimulants like caffeine, fiber may be the mystery ingredient behind those who say Zi Xiu Tang promotes weight loss.
Many websites say that no diet is needed when using Zi Xiu Tang. Still, other Zi Xiu Tang websites say that people only need to take Zi Xiu Tang for a month after they reach their goal weight to maintain their weight loss. I'm skeptical of these statements also.
Zi Xiu Tang side effects
Here is a list of potential ZXT side effects.
Does Zi Xiu Tang Work?
People have told me that they have lost weight within Zi Xiu Tang. But based on the ingredients listed, I don’t see how it’s possible. Honestly, I'm skeptical.
- I'm skeptical because of the websites I see selling it. Some websites seem designed to get you to hurry up and buy it now before the price goes up.
- I'm skeptical because some websites say things that are not based in fact (e.g. bee pollen stimulating metabolism).
- I'm skeptical because I can’t discern any scientific reason why any of the ingredients (except fiber) would help weight loss.
- I'm skeptical because I don’t see any peer-reviewed proof on Zi Xiu Tang.
- I'm skeptical because many websites say people don't need to exercise while taking Zi Xiu Tang. This is unhealthy. Any diet that does not incorporate exercise runs the risk of promoting muscle loss. Some websites do advocate eating some extra protein (which can help preserve muscle during dieting) which I like, but leaving out exercise is disturbing.
While I think that fiber may be responsible for any weight loss seen with Zi Xiu Tang supplements, I would like to see an independent laboratory test the product to see if it contains any additional ingredients that are not listed.
If you choose to try Zi Xiu Tang and buy over the internet be certain to ask about any “autoship” programs and see if you can opt-out of this.
Here is my second Zi Xiu Tang review
Read also my review of SlimQuick weight loss supplement.
Hi Jeff. If Zi Xiu Tang helps you achieve your goals and get healthier then that’s really a good thing. It sounds like Zi Xiu Tang was a stimulus to help you do other things (drink more water etc). If that’s the case and you experience no side effects, then that’s great. As for your kids getting up at night, I’m sure when they are in there teens, you won’t be able to get them out of bed – so it all evens out I guess 🙂
Thanks for the article! Just to throw in my experience: My wife’s client told her about these pills so she wanted to try them. I was skeptical at first because I’m used to working out to lose weight, but as I’m a father of 2 year old twin boys, I don’t always have the time to workout regularly, so I decided to try it. I started off at ~230lbs, lost 16 lbs so far after about 3.5 weeks. The biggest thing is that I’m not eating as much as I used to, since I feel full sooner, and I drink a lot more water now, instead of iced tea, since I’m more aware of it. It’s also made me more regular (along with drinking more water). I don’t notice any loss of muscle or strength at this point. My clothes are fitting better which is nice.
It’s nice to notice the loss in lbs. and it feels better to be lighter, but it still feels a little like “cheating” since I’m used to working out for weight loss. If anything though, I feel less sluggish and more motivated to start working out again, so I plan on trying to make a schedule in the AM to hit the gym. Now if only kids would stop this phase of waking up through the night… 🙂
Gary I wanted to respond to your criticism . The only product I have on this website is my book, Nutritional Supplements What Works and Why (which is also at book stores and Amazon so people do not have to get it from me personally). That is it. The ads you see are not products I sell and I have no affiliation with those companies (for example, if an ad for Zi Xiu Tang appears on my website ,they don’t pay me to place that ad). I am only compensated if an ad is clicked. If no ads are clicked so be it. The ads help me maintain this site and provide unbiased information. I do appreciate your thoughts however and I hope my review was helpful to you.
Joes’ opinion is bias because he is selling things on this website. So how do I know he is not saying this just to sell product. So try Zi Xiu Tang and have your own experience. No two people are alike.
I must say that each of you individuals have a right to your own expression and created experiences. I hold all of you….. your mind, body, and souls in perfect wholeness. May you hold one another in mind as the complete divine ones you are truly.
Taina Thanks for your comments. Remember that weight loss and fat loss are not the same. Since you did not exercise It’s likely that you lost some muscle and that’s not good. Please do find a good personal trainer who can show you how to exercise to stay healthy.
Well I was on this weight loss pill..and let me tell you that it does work..and 6 other people I know loss huge amount of weight. I weighed 230lbs when i started on the pill and I’m done to 187 in 4 months. without exercise . I ate decent size meals and I drank a lot of water. So did everyone I know that has taken the pill. It’s the only pill I know that made me loose weight. Considering I’ve tried every single diet, exercise and diet pill out there.
Despite the ads, there is no quick and easy (and safe) weight loss supplement. I just reviewed Glucosulin check out what its active ingredient is and you’ll see that simple answers are sometimes best.
Are there any supplements that do work?
Marcia, thanks for your words. Of all the supplements I have studied over the years, it is those marketed for weight loss that I am most disappointed in.
I tried the sample pack from Floyd Nutrition because a friend of mine raved about this pill. She buys in bulk so I bought a bottle off her of her and I’ve been on it for about 3 1/2 weeks and, if anything, I’ve gained weight. It tells you not to change your diet, which I didn’t, and my clothes feel tighter. I don’t go to the bathroom regularly like I used to so I’m a little on the if-y side of this product. Another friend told me about another supplement, XM3, that helped her drop her baby weigh off fast. I’ve done some research and am skeptical about that one as well. Is there even such a thing as a “fat loss” pill anymore? They all seem to have the same effects…. they don’t work.
My friend gave me a 12 pill try out sample the first time I took 2 pills it stopped me from sleeping. I finally fell asleep 13 hrs later, it also gave me chest pain.
I tried this and after 2 weeks finally lost 5 pounds and then started to gain my weight back week later. Finally stopped taking it. I did not have any more energy, I was not having the effects of taking a laxative and I was still hungry ALL the time. My husband took it and lost 30 pounds in 2 months. He is still taking them but on average of every other day. He has stopped any additional weight loss and has not gained any back.
Jay. 13 1/2 lbs in 3 weeks is a lot and honestly I wonder how much of that is fat. Did you have your body fat tested before starting Zi Xiu Tang? Because you said Zi Xiu Tang helped your constipation makes me believe Zi Xiu Tang contains Senna or something like it. Senna can be dangerous if too much is used.
Hi,
I’ve taken this for 3 weeks and lost a total of 13 1/2 pounds. What I’ve found is that it totally curbs your appetite and by doing so, it helps you lose weight. I didn’t have any side effects except I was a little more thirsty than usual, but I drink a lot of water anyway, so I didn’t find that to be a problem.
I was always a person who was constipated, no matter how many fruit and veggies I eat. This has helped me to become more regular and that is a plus for me.
I have finished the rest of what I had and now am looking to purchased more.
Hi Joe,
I bought a one month supply of these pills and I am very nervous/hesitant to take. Would you like my bottle to try? I will donate….
P.S. I am not a weirdo trying to give you unknown pills. I was actually in your supplement class in AAAI – Atlantic City this year and I was the one who approached you at the end of class to inquire about Zi Xiu Tang.
Dana. Actually the human body is NOT acidic. Our bodies pH is slightly on the alkaline side, usually between 7.35 – 7.45. We have safeguards to prevent drastic decreases in pH. If we could not maintain pH in this range, a glass of orange juice would kills us!
I have asked Zi Xiu Tang distributors to give me a sample to try for a month as a test but so far there are no takers.
I’ve taken Zi Xiu Tang before.
the pill works on a concept of traditional Chinese medicine which works to balance out the pH balance in the body. Most dieters and US and Western World eaters have an overly acidic body.
Jackie senna was not listed on the product I reviewed but if you are correct then that explains Zi Xiu Tang weight loss claims. I am aware of senna and I agree if Zi Xiu Tang contains senna, it should be avoided.
the zi xiu tang contains senna and senna is a laxative,after 7 days the body becomes addicted and can cause dehydration,senna does not allow normal body function to occur,taking can cause problems and if you stop the weight comes back faster then when it came off severe warning in taking zi xiu tang for long periods,because of fda watching them they have change formula several times, they now list senna on the box,consumers beware!additionally there many counterfits online,they cannot be trusted caution! 74cf