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.
For those of you who stand by the FDA, did anyone read about them admitting there was arsenic in the chicken we eat? That they allowed farmers to feed chickens feed with arsenic in it? Just something to consider when you are on your soapbox.
Dale, Im the first to admit that there are issues with the FDA but are you saying that this nullifies what the FDA found with zi xiu tang? What about what the Canadians found with ZXT Gold?
Thank you dale. And zxt gold is manufactured by Floyd nutrition correct? That is NOT zi xiu tang. And isn’t THAT manufactured in the USA? Just sayin.
Floyd, as I understand it Floyd is just a place that ships various supplements. They dont make anything. they may commission companies to produce products for them.
ZXT GOLD and zi xiu tang bee pollen are 2 different products. Regardless, to answer your question, no, I don’t trust anything the FDA says. There is too much corruption and to many head honchos that have vested interests in pharmaceutical companies that don’t want any supplements other than what they produce to be out there.
Dale, do you completely trust supplements from Chinese manufacturers?
ZXT Gold is manufactured in China. Floyd Nutrition is just the reseller of the product just as Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen is the reseller of Zi Xiu Tang. Floyd Nutrition is not a manufacturer of any supplement they are located in Harrisburg and their address is a warehouse not a Lab.
So I took a drug test. Bought at WalMart for 50.00 — barbituates line was faint. Had the test sent out to lab— would LOVE TO SHARE that all drugs are negative. I don’t believe there is anything in these pills. Would love to share my results with anyone interested. I can post site and # on test so that you may see for yourself
Kristi r thanks for the heads up. did the test, test for sibutramine or amphetamines? Just curious. Can you list the drugs that the walmart drug test did test for?
yes sure did joe. do you know how to upload a picture to this forum? I would like to put up a screen shot of results and a picture of what drugs were tested.
Kristi, Im not sure if uploading a pic is possible unfortunately. I will take your word though as thats good enough for me 🙂
In order to test for sibutramine you need a lab that offers mass spec. Flora Labs offers this type of testing. As for a Walmart drug test, sibutramine can not be detected in that type of test.
The urine teat was sent to the lab for testing with the reults lid of my own test.
They tested for : marijuana , cocaine, methamphetamine, amptheramines, ecstasy, opiates, phencyclidine, benzodiazephines, methadone, barbituates, tricyclic antidepressants, oxycodone
If anyone interested in looking at reluts please look at http://www.firstcheckfamily.com and my test number is 241339496. All resluts will be shown on there.
I am so glad that non of the above was found in a urine test. Too bad sibutramine couldn’t of been detected in the test as well.
http://www.medschat.com/Discuss/Would-sibutramine-show-up-in-a-drug-test-201062_s2.htm
Well according to some med professionals—- it would. As we go back to trying to trick the consumers into feeding into your beliefs. I’ve called you out on everything you’ve posted. I’ve done testing, I’ve spent money on drug testing, I’ve contacted the fda. I’ve even agreed to shut down my business with your So Called lab Results that you can’t share. Enough is enough.
No one can be 100% sure these results you posted are accurate. You claimed you took a urine test that does not prove anything. The supplement itself wasn’t tested. The FDA is all the proof I need and if you want to continue sell zi xiu tang that is on you. The ingredients listed on the box would not achieve significant weight loss results without there being a hidden ingredient in it!
You are absolutely correct, enough is enough, open your eyes. I just hope that none of your customers ever get sick or long term effects from zi xiu tang. In the end, ignorance to what has been going on with zi xiu tang is not an acceptable excuse when it comes to the health of others. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Joe,
My husband is also going to bring home a drug test and I will take it and let you know the results. Since I am not a drug user and am only taking these, if anything comes up positive on the test, it’s definitely from the pills. I’ll let you know as soon as I do it.
The sad thing is, on the one hand I want people informed and don’t want anyone to get sick or have other issues if someone is not being entirely honest. But I am also not sure where the blame falls; is it the US distributer? Are they making a copy cat formula and adding the Sibutramine if it is in there, or something else? Or is it being done in China?
Here is the thing…you can be sure there was a LOT of Meridia/Sibutramine left in drug stores and warehouses, etc. Ethically it should have been dumped or sent to FDA for destruction. But what if it wasn’t?
And I selfishly don’t want to see the pills gone since they have worked very well for me. I am 47, have had three kids, and have the metabolism of a slug. With the addition of the ZXT, I have changed my entire way of eating, have less cravings, and am more proactive about my diet, etc. And I have lost a decent amount of weight. My plan is to wean off the pills and keep doing what I am doing, as they were just a jump start to my metabolism.
Karen, I can understand and empathize with your mixed emotions on this especially since you are seeing benefits. Im guessing the drug test wont test for sibutraminie but other stimulants it might. It will be interesting to learn what you find.
Karen,
I am so glad they are working for you. Please keep us informed as to what the lab says about the tested pills. as far as the counterfeit pills and “authentic” pills being the same inside and out, did you dump out the inside and feel it??? the reason I ask is because I did this myself and I was completely shocked!!!
the authentic ones were a light fluffy green color and soft and the counterfeit one felt like sand in between my fingers. idk about you but if you do this— there is definitely a great difference in between the two products.
Hello again. I wanted to update as far as our experience.
After reading the previous comments regarding the “Ecstasy” like side effects, I must agree that I have had similar feelings, though not as much jittery. Definitely increased sensations, definitely raised libido. . No other effects really. I am down to 15 pounds lost since the last post I made. My husband is down 20. He has stopped taking the pills, I am still taking them.
One thing that cannot be ruled out is the effect of many herbs on people. Herbs mimic chemicals found in the body, including estrogen and serotonin, to name two. An herbal formulation/certain combinations of herbs can give the same side effects as any prescribed medication. So this having side effects on some people does not necessarily mean it has Subutramine. One other thing to point out; everyone reacts to an increase of serotonin differently depending on their brain activity. Same goes for SNRIS; someone with ADHD for example, would calm down if they took Subutramine, and it is still prescribed for that, though rarely. You can also give 5HTP which is serotonin found in the health food store, to someone with ADD with a similar result.
My point is that any drug is going to work on people different ways. Some may be overly sensitive to the herbs or whatever else is in this. Some may have brain activity that is contradictory to adding serotonin to it. If you read the Subutramine info, it said that some people actually GAINED weight, because the uptake inhibitor reacted differently for them,.
The bottom line is that you should always listen to your body. Anything you add to it, herbal or prescribed, should be monitored. You should also make sure anything you are taking will not react negatively with another. There are quite a few things one should not take with Subutramine, for example, and I also quit any other herbs I was taking once I began taking this.
I listen to my body, and if it starts acting in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable, I stop taking something. I can’t say I have felt anything yet that I believe to be alarming, though to others it might. I just imagine this is my reaction to this herbal formulation. If you read the literature it does explain that it works on the brain in a way to allow you to reduce your cravings. There are herbs capable of doing this, I have done the research. I have also spoken to Chinese herbalists who state that as well. I can’t say for sure what is in these, and maybe that should be alarming to me, but in my situation, they are working very well, and I am being monitored, so I am not freaking out.
Karen, thanks for that!
You’re welcome. 🙂 I have asked my coworkers taking it about their side effects and they all said mainly dry mouth and diarrhea if they over eat. All have lost weight, some more than others.
One thing my husband said about this whole thing; no one really knows 100% what is in anything we consume, though steps are taken to try to keep people informed.
He did suggest that anyone taking this taper off it if they decide to stop, in the event it is Sibutramine, SNRI’s need to be tapered so as not to upset brain chemistry negatively. He cut back to one a day and then stopped.
It’s sad that there is so much negativity surrounding Chinese medicine and herbs now. I have many friends who practice it and situations like this give it a bad name, when the Chinese and Asaian cultures have used it for years and are much healthier than we in the US.
Karen, I do think there can be wisdom in some Chinese medical practices. I’m trying not to lump Chinese medicine with zi xiu tang because I’m not even sure if the product is from china.
The first round of ZXT we took was shipped directly from China. I kept the international shipping and customs paperwork just in case.
The next batch we got here at a health food/supplement store.
We had the same results using both, although we both admit that we have had a little more energy and dry mouth, and I the raised libido and sensitivity with the batch we got here in the US. Which is very interesting.
I checked the different counterfeiting pics and sites, and think personally they are different distributers lying to protect their interest. I don’t know that the actual “real” distributer has a site for counterfeiting check at all.
The bottles were identical save for the one from China was in Chinese, and the pills were identical inside and out.
But I do feel different on the new batch. Which leads one to believe there is something different in them.
My husband is going to see if he can get them tested by one of the drug reps. Just to know. I’ll let you know if he is able to do so.
Our area Asian Market also has them for sale, and I am 100% sure everything sold in there is directly from China save for the fresh items. I might ask the Chinese herbalist that works there about them, and what someone could expect from them as far as side effects, etc. They have a whole department/section for Chinese medicine in the market that the customers, primarily Asian, go to.
Karen, thanks for that. keep me in the loop on what the herbalist says.
Joe that has been posted several times on this forum and other forums. According to that that was related to the VOLUNTARY recall of ultimate formula and zi xiu tang from zi xiu tang success llc. And I thought that was only 4 lot numbers they had in their possession when they shut their doors. Also they said further testing was being done and if in fact if was found they would pull it all.
Kristi r, voluntary recall or not the FDA did find sibutramine in zi xiu tang.
I’ve asked for lab reports from the fda and they state they are not available. But did not confirm your response.
Kristi, my response?
More recent user– did you say that you and some friends all ordered from the same person in bulk? Are any of these people having the same effects? I think you said no. Do you think it could the way your body reacts to things? I wouldn’t just go out there and say its sibutramine. Thats just silly. It could be the way your body reacts to certain medications. And as far as I know there is no proof that so xiu tang contained sibutramine. On paper proof……
Krisit r, Here is the proof that zi xiu tang contained sibutramine http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm325537.htm
I also linked to this in my review as well.
Yes, we all got ours in the same shipment. And as far as I know, the other girls just have dry mouth and pooping so far. Although, I don’t speak with them often, so I can’t be sure.
I stated multiple times that I am interested in getting CHECKED to see if there’s sibutramine in the pills. I never said there was for sure. And it isn’t “silly” to be thinking it could be sibutramine, when it has been found in these pills in the past and I have almost the entirety of the symptoms of it.
You say that maybe my body just reacts differently to drugs, but isn’t that what this whole thing is about? There shouldn’t be any drugs in these pills! It’s supposed to be all natural, basically all plant materials. And honestly, nothing they have labeled on their ingredients would have made me feel that sick. So, maybe it’s not sibutramine, maybe it’s another similar drug; but either way there is something in there which isn’t labeled and which could be dangerous.
Also, side-note, I have never had any sensitivity to anything indigestible. So, it’s not impossible, but it’s highly unlikely that I am just reacting to herbal remedies negatively. I have no allergies, caffeine does absolutely nothing for me…
Anyway. Like I said, I am just getting it checked out. Update: it’s been two days off of these now, and I feel much better except my muscles are a little achy, and my heart sometimes beats very hard and my chest gets tight. Pretty mild, just kind of catches me off guard when it happens.
akhanson1991, I’m curious, you said your muscles ached a little after taking zi xiu tang. if you sit there and don’t move any muscles, tell me if your muscles ache when you are not moving. just curious.
I spend a long time typing a very long reply to this thread yesterday… and it said it submitted and i got an email and whatnot, but I don’t see it. So I’ll try again. Sorry if this ends up repeating, I have never responded on this site before.
Anyway, I wanted to give more recent consumer reviews on this pill. I am a nearly 23 yearold female with no health conditions that I am aware of and only about 20-30 pounds to lose. at 5’8″ that means I am not extremely large. I started taking this pill 14 days ago, and at first I had no side-effects besides the dry mouth and frequent soft bowel movements. Around this time I started grinding my teeth a lot, something I have never done, but I didn’t immediately attribute it to these pills. I actually told my dentist last week that I had been grinding and clenching a lot, but I thought maybe it was just a stress thing or something because I had only noticed it starting about a week before. So, 7 days into taking the pills, I made a brief comment to my boyfriend about how the pills were starting to make me feel like the beginning of an ecstasy high. Just sort of clammy and my muscles tingly. But it was subtle and didn’t last long. (When I was a senior in highschool five years ago I tried ecstasy. I thought I was going to die, and never took it or any other drug again). The feeling has progressively gotten worse.
So, at 14 days (two days ago), I was REALLY feeling it. I couldn’t get myself to stop grinding my teeth, I was twitching and rocking in my seat, I felt like my eyes were shaking a little. My boyfriend actually asked me if I was high on drugs because I was “tweaking” and my pupils were huge. And then I knew it must be really bad if others could see the side-effects. I told him I actually felt really ill, and I felt as if I were on ecstacy, minus the MOLLY part with like the raised sensations and stuff. I had remembered that I read on here that the pills used to contain sibutramine, but I had been assured that it was not in these pills I got. So I got on here and read these comments, and then looked up the side-effects of sibutramine. The page was basically like a list of all of my symptoms. So, I have a doctors appointment in a couple days to get checked out and to have them test my urine or maybe the pills (not sure what all they’ll do), to see if they do in fact contain sibutramine. I can’t image there is anything else in my life that could be causing this feeling. I have NEVER felt this way except for the times I took ecstasy. And I can’t see any of the natural ingredients listed on the bottle having these effects.
For people being stubborn and saying that their pills must be the real ones and don’t have the drug in it because THEY feel fine, that doesn’t mean the drug isn’t in there. Even when doctors used to prescribe it, it didn’t have negative effects on EVERYONE. Just on a higher percentage of people than they find acceptable. It is entirely possible that your pills do still contain it. For instance, my best friend ordered these pills in bulk from the distributor she got hers from. She has been taking them for three months and has lost over 20 pounds with no side effects. So she decided to buy them in bulk and sell them to her friends and family who would also like to lose weight. I was in the first round of five people to get the pills, and as far as I know, I am the only one with these side effects so far. Others have just mentioned the dry mouth. But, she has just given them to another round of five people. And has more on order for other friends. I don’t want to just stop taking these and not know for sure if it contains this drug, and then if one of these people has a heart attack or stroke, I will feel like I could have prevented it by telling them.
SO. Despite websites claiming differently, it would appear that there are still illegal substances in these pills as recent as July 2013
akhanson1991, I moderate all comments and was away most of the day so that’s why you didn’t see it posted right away. I just posted your comment. I do hope all goes ok at your doctors appointment!
akhanson1991, I hope that your doctor appt goes well. I would definitely report the company you purchased from to the FDA. If you purchased in bulk imagine how many others are as well. Keep us updated on how your doctor appt went.
akhanson1991, your zi xiu tang could definitely contain sibutramine, especially since the “resellers” of zi xiu tang do not have it tested they go off the word of China. They should be responsible for what they are selling. You are doing the right thing by trying to warn others. Hopefully you get the answers you are looking for at the doctor.
So,I guess I have a few things to say. I started taking zi xiu tang 14 days ago. At first I felt totally fine, just loose stool and more energy. In the 14 days I have lost 8 pounds. But for the past week I have been getting side effects which are getting progressively worse. The dry mouth started from day one. And I have been clenching my jaw quite a bit, something I mentioned to the dentist last week, but I said it had only been happening for a week so maybe I was just a little stressed.
Also around a week ago, (7days into the pills) I mentioned to my boyfriend in passing that I kind of felt like I had taken ecstasy. Only in the sort of tingly cold body and jaw clenching nervous way. I should state that when I was a senior in high school (5 years ago) I did try these drugs and I thought I was going to die and I never took them again. SO, that high feeling has progressed all week.
Yesterday, I had two people ask me if I was “tweaking” because my jaw clenching was so obvious and I was jittery and my pupils were huge. I have been having stomach cramps, and also clamminess and shivers. I originally asked my boyfriend to take me to the emergency room, but due to it being the middle of the night and not having the best medical insurance, I decided to try and stick it out through the night.
I had remembered reading in passing that the drug used to contain sibutramine, but I was ensured it wasn’t in what I purchased. I decided to look up the side effects of sibutramine and it was basically a list of all my symptoms! I have a doctors appointment to hopefully get some tests done,but I don’t intend to keep taking them. I really would like to know for sure if the seller I got mine from has sibutramine in it because about 20 people I know just got it from the same website I did, after one of our friends told us she has been using it for 3 months with great results and no side effects. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.
Just for info: I am an almost 23yr old female, not obese, maybe only 20 pounds to lose. No health conditions that I know of. I am so worried about this product because I have NEVER felt anything like this except from ecstasy. (Which is a mixture of drugs, so who knows what was in it)
Also, for people saying that their drug couldn’t possibly have sibutramine in it, because they feel fine… Sibutramine didn’t have negative effects on EVERYONE. Just on a higher percentage of people. Case in point, at least three of my friends have been taking pills from the same exact package I got mine from (we ordered in bulk), and they are fine so far.
So yes, although letters online say “sibutramine has been removed from all these products” that is almost definitely not true. Since it appears to be in mine from June 2013
oh ive got pics to show from results from this…uncanny
true points…like fish oil linked to prostate problem…and lipitor linked to type 2 diabetes
Len, the fish oil prostate problems is based on one study as far as I can tell. There maybe something to it but I think its too soon to tell right now. I think fish is better than fish oil supplements for what its worth.
I have read this from beginning to end, and after a month on Zi Xui Tang, feel comfortable sharing my experience.
My husband and I both began taking it at the same time; he is a physician who previously prescribed Sibutramine for his overweight patients with great success on their part. He has lost 12 pounds and I have lost 8 pounds since taking it, along with eating a healthy diet, taking vitamin supplements, and exercising.
I had found out about ZXT through coworkers; I am a teacher. All of them had lost a fair amount of weight while taking this and while also eating a sensible diet, and exercising. Not one to start popping pills without doing the investigation first, I ran it by my husband, who stated that he had some patients taking it and they had lost weight, but that he would like to research it more.
We both found the research that showed it may have Sibutramine in it. We also found research saying it didn’t. The research is extremely contradictory. In any case, my husband also found research articles linked to the pulling of Sibutramine from the US market that showed that the study used to pull it was not exactly a fair case study; the patients used ALREADY had high blood pressure and cardiac issues.
Many doctors were unhappy that Sibutramine was pulled from the weight loss market because more patients were helped than not. Of course, all patients should be monitored for any adverse reactions.
I guess my point with all of the above is that we decided to take it. Both of us are in good health otherwise, with no cardiac issues and no blood pressure issues.
My thoughts are that it most definitely has something in it beyond what is being presented. I can’t say for sure it is Sibutramine, but there is definitely something stimulating in there.
Side effects we have had have been the dry mouth which is remedied by drinking a lot of water which everyone should be doing anyway. Neither of us had diarrhea that was constant, but only lasted the first week or so, or if we had a bigger meal than usual. I personally have experienced an increase in my libido, and research has shown this is a possible side effect of certain SNRIs. Sibutramine is an SNRI, not an SSRI; there is a significant difference. Neither of us have had any other side effects, and we continue to monitor our blood pressure, etc.
On another note, I practice a lot of herbal and alternative medicine, and in my Herbal Dictionary, the other ingredients in ZXT also have similar side effects, including dry mouth, raised libido, loss of appetite, etc. In the end, who really knows for sure? In my opinion, if you do your research, let a doctor know what you are taking, and be monitored while doing so, if it works for you, that’s a good thing.
Karen, can you point me to the research you found that said zi xiu tang did not have sibutramine? I’d like to take a look at that.
Happy you and your husband have not had any problems!
Joe–
I’m not trying to be smart here but I do have a very valid question and/or point to make. Because I am a concerned reseller. I have several people taking this product– over 2000 customers. The pill has worked for I’d say 90%+. I have consumers who are–:1. State police officers 2. Nurses 3. Doctors (which I have 4 local doctors referring their overweight patients to me) 4. US service men and women 5. And of course everyday people—- my point I am trying to make here is every single one of these people take urine tests on a regular basis for their day jobs/hiring/firing process of the consumer workforce.
Sibutramine is labeled as a class 4 narcotic I believe. This substance would show up in a urine drug screen as an opiod or benzo I think. So– if the drug were really in these pills don’t you think I would have several customers coming back to me and asking what the hell is in these pills that’s showing up in their urine screening tests?
Kristi, I understand. I did some searching and didn’t see anything that sibutramine was considered a narcotic. I could be wrong on this as Im not a pharmacist. I did see references that sibutramine should not be combined with narcotics (which I found interesting and may lend credence to your claim that it is a narcotic). here is what drugs.com said about sibutramine http://www.drugs.com/meridia.html
Im not sure if sibutramine would show up on normal drug tests or not. I will see if I can find out anything on this. if you find anything do let me know.
Joe— I knew I saw it before— here is the site from the FDA themselves that says its a scheduled IV drug. even though zi xiu tang is not listed on this list (not sold over the counter) the article still states that meridia may be in some of these other diet aids.
but other sites I have looked at showed it as an SSRI drug class. thought this would be helpful but now it makes me even more confused.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm136187.htm
Kristi, thanks for that!!
I haven’t seen any lab results yet to make a final conclusion. Just saying.
When the FDA issue a final verdict I’ll update my review. Ive been trying to keep up with this.
The FDA already posted that they tested it, hence the warning. Just like many of the other warnings that the FDA post each day. And just like those warnings you will not see the results posted. The only other notification you will see is when the close our companies case. I am unsure as to why you are not seeking answers from your supplier or having it tested yourself.
And another thing. The manufacturer of the ultimate formula was previously known for adding weight loss aids to their pills. So why zixiutangsuccessbrook the product there and asked them to make it is beyond me. Its like they wanted it in there.
As to why we no longer sell either product. What is funny about your statement, the zi xiu tang we sold was manufactured by Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology, Co, same zi xiu tang tested by the FDA and confirmed to contain sibutramine. Same zi xiu tang that had a “anti counterfeit” sticker.
Jen-
You demand explanation but refuse to reveal any when requested. I am not doubting the FDA findings. What I was asking you was what proof do YOU have that they don’t put it in all of the bottles? You keep saying that they don’t put it in all of them which is why some times it doesn’t work, so what proof do you have of that?
You tell Carolyn that what she wrote about the company having a bottle tested by the FDA is “heresay”, isn’t that what your accusation of them not putting it in all of the bottles?
And why won’t you reveal the amount that was found in the pill? I don’t see why you wouldn’t reveal that?
And according to Joe, there are no “official reports” and the FDA has a gag order on you. So if the reports aren’t official, what are we suppose to believe?
LD I believe I wrote my “no official reports” before Jen came forward about all of this.
under a gag order? are you kidding me? before they “officially” release their results?? so the “results” that are out there are “UNOFFICIAL” correct?? and if im seeing this correctly— the FDA has just taken jen’s word —as previously stated. thanks for confirming that.
I think this is all a bunch of crap. and I think this is just ‘bashing’ to get people not to buy it, and to make people concerned for no reason whatsoever.
I also have requested the information from the fda– no reports available. so if this product was really really really harming people in the ways discussed in this blog I HIGHLY DOUBT I WOULD BE ABLE TO WALK UP THE STREET AND BUY IT OVER THE COUNTER AT A SHOP.
I am not sure if you are misunderstanding or just don’t want to believe the facts. The FDA no matter if its voluntary or not can not just take someone’s word for it. They also conducted their own testing before posting the warning. As for records the only records that the FDA needs to provide the public is what is already posted.
Also, it’s not zi xiu tang itself that is a harm if the ingredients listed was actually what is in it…the whole point is they added an illegal ingredient without knowledge of the consumer. That is what is harmful and illegal. If you don’t believe the FDA have the product tested yourself which the companies selling should be doing but are not.
Jen,
This a reply to conversation on June 7th…
Carolyn to Joe, “What I’m saying is the supplier whom Jen turned in to the FDA had their product pulled and tested and no report of it being positive has ever come back!”
Jen to Carolyn, “You stating that the zi xiu tang was tested is here say. There is no record that their product was tested.”
Jen, you dug a hole for yourself. You just said to me on June 7th that there is no record that their product was tested. Since I was referring to the FDA testing the zi xiu tang, and that is what you were replying to, you just stated in your own words that there is no record that their product was tested. Funny how you are so quick to bash them and bring them to the ground on the premise that their product was tested and confirmed to contain sibutramine, and now when I challenge the fact that the FDA did indeed test their product and NEVER came back to the supplier with a positive result for sibutramine, you back step and say there is no proof that their product was actually tested and that it is “here say”.
I am not going to continue to go back and forth with you. The proof is on the FDA website. The product that was tested from our company. The Ultimate was purchased directly from us from China and the Classic zi xiu tang was purchased from zixiutang bee pollen llc. You had stated that the company had product tested(not us) and it came back without sibutramine in I was just wondering where the results were, that’s all. You will make your own choices but I just hope you are not harmed by zi xiu tang.
Jen,
I agree with you on one thing, I don’t want to go back and forth with you either. Please do me a favor and include the quote where I stated that the company had product tested and it came back without sibutramine in it. I could be wrong, but I think you are referring to this comment I made on June 7th to Joe, “What I’m saying is the supplier whom Jen turned in to the FDA had their product pulled and tested and no report of it being positive has ever come back!”
If that is the comment you are referring to, I was not talking about the company that supplies the zi xiu tang testing it, I was talking about the FDA testing it. AND I didn’t say that the results came back saying it didn’t have sibutramine. I said that no report of it containing sibutramine has been given to the supplier.
Also, why did you have to sign a confidentiality form with the private company you used to test the product? If that is standard procedure with every private lab company, then what is the point in having it tested? If I or anyone else who desires to “prove” zi xiu tang supplied by Julie does not contain sibutramine, how exactly could we go about doing that? All I am reading from you is that you are not allowed to share the testing report that shows a positive result. Would you be allowed to show the report if it showed a negative result for sibutramine?
You, Jen, also advise people to contact the FDA to get the facts. Well, I did that, and I am not being given any facts other than the FDA saying a company would not be allowed to continue distributing a product that was proven to be altered.
Carolyn,
If I gave you every single piece of documentation, testing, and so forth…would this deter you from taking zi xiu tang or selling it (if you are a reseller)? And if I would, you probably would have a million other questions for me attempting to prove that zi xiu tang is safe. If zi xiu tang contained the ingredients listed on the box then it just might be ok to take, but without the “magic” illegal ingredient which of the listed ingredients causes weight loss??
No one can seem to answer this question that I have asked several times…. Throughout my time as a reseller, I have seen many changes with zi xiu tang from the very beginning changes in the box, removing senna, putting senna back in and renaming it Classic, all around the time in 2010 when sibutramine was banned. If this doesn’t seem shady to you then you are naive. And also the “exclusive” changing their name of company. I am almost positive that in the next few months the box will either change, a new ingredient added, name change, or new product will be introduced.
And let me make another prediction….the product might not be working the same anymore and resellers will claim you have reached a plateau. I will give you one good guess as to why it is not working. Could it be that the “magic” ingredient was removed?
Also, where did you get the info that Julie’s product had been tested? As a professional business who distributes a chinese manufactured supplement to resellers worldwide don’t you think that they should take appropriate measures for each shipment and have it tested?or how about when confronted about it by our company they said why didn’t you come to us first! Really…what professionalism.
Way to back up a reseller and their product! Here is some advice, if you are a reseller and want the product tested I can recommend http://www.floraresearch.com/6.html for testing. Ultimately, the reseller is responsible for the products they distribute.
“If I gave you every single piece of documentation, testing, and so forth…would this deter you from taking zi xiu tang or selling it (if you are a reseller)?”
yes!!! hello there!~ reseller from pa here. If you provide me proof that this does contain the ingredient in question– I by law have to quit selling this. this would make us all illegal drug dealers correct? couldn’t legal action be taken against every single one of us –if this was true? just a question that has been floating in the back of my mind for awhile now.
but—if you provide me with the proof– I as a reseller will definitely shut down my business today.
Thank you Kristi for being honest about being a reseller. Like I said it is ultimately your responsibility for the product you sell. If you question the FDA warning invest in testing each shipment yourself. I recommended a lab to do so. Or ask the company you purchase from to provide you that information.
You are also correct it is illegal to sell a product with an undeclared ingredient in it. With that being said think about it what makes the product effective? Is it just the listed ingredients? I would have a box tested from each of your shipments to give yourself piece if mind. With there already being a warning if your company would ever be flagged by the FDA your company could face criminal charges.
And I can guarantee that company you purchase from with be of little help. Good Luck. I know I feel better not selling a product that could possibly harm another.
I was wondering if anyone knows how long the pills are good for? Do they have an expiration date?
Laura, any pills that do not have an expiration date on the bottle/box should be suspect if you ask me.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm309993.htm
sounds like its just a new name for the sibutramine…so how bad could it have been?
They didnt mention Sibutramine in the FDA letter you listed. Not all weight loss drugs work through the same chemical pathways. Still, I don’t want this stuff in my diet coke.
No, but did you see the side effects? very similar…just saying it sounds like they just renamed it…
I’m sure its a different compound than sibutramine. That said given the track record of weight loss drugs, I would not trust it until its been out at least 15 years or so..
Wow! This blog really is unbelievable. I have blogged before on this site and have stated that I have been taking classic zi xiu tang for quite some time, have lost weight, am no longer pre diabetic, and have been taken off all blood pressure meds. As much as I love this stuff, I’m not stupid, and I have done my own research as to what the FDA has claimed to contain sibutramine.
I contacted the FDA and asked them… if a company was investigated and had their product pulled from their warehouse for testing, and if the testing came back positive for sibutramine, would that company be allowed to continue selling the product that was still in their warehouse ready to be sold? The response I received back was, no!
Just last month a friend who is also taking it contacted the FDA investigator who actually went to this company’s warehouse and pulled the product for testing, and the investigator’s supervisor told my friend that the case is still open and no further information could be given.
We have also asked this company who sells the zi xiu tang if the FDA investigator ever came back to them and told them that their product tested positive for sibutramine and that the FDA needed to remove the product from the warehouse. The company’s answer was, no.
Further, the company told us that the FDA never came back to them with any answer, and when the company called the investigator to find out what the results were from the testing, guess what…. they got the very same answer… the case is still open and no further information could be given.
There are most definitely counterfeit products out there that are deceitfully being sold as the exact same name as the legit product. That is why the FDA puts the warning on their site for consumers to not buy zi xiu tang bee pollen, because unless you really know who you are buying from you can very easily buy the counterfeit.
It is not just with herbal supplements, it is with anything you buy. I was trying to save money and bought a cell phone charger off of ebay instead of from my wireless store because the seller on ebay was selling it far cheaper. Guess what, I ended up purchasing a counterfeit. There was a big report on the news about electronics being counterfeited and sold cheaper.
Carolyn– I agree with you. If the fda wanted us to not consume zi xiu tang there would be no zi xiu tang.
You are absolutely correct. It is not zi xiu tang that the FDA doesn’t want us to consume its sibutramine which has been found in zi xiu tang. But zi xiu tang without sibutramine will have absolutely no results on weight loss what so ever.
For example, DMAA (the ingredient) was just ban in the USA due to a death. FDA advised that any supplement containing this ingredient should not be consumed. They also sent out warning letters to companies who’s product contain DMAA. But some of these products are still being sold.
If China would not be adding illegal and harmful ingredients without the consumers knowledge then there would not be a problem. But unfortunately they are and distributing a product to consumers under the assumption that all the ingredients are listed.
Carolyn,
You keep referring to “this company” there are numerous companies who continue to sell zi xiu tang even after this warning has been made public not to take zi xiu tang. These companies continue to promote zi xiu tang with no proof that their product is safe besides claiming that other companies are counterfeit.
And I was just like you and fed into it. One of my products that i recalled , was the Classic Zi Xiu Tang purchased from the so called “exclusive” distributor. When I spoke with her regarding it,the only response I got was…why didn’t you contact us before the FDA. When I emailed to follow up they responded to contact their lawyer. Unbelievable!!
When a voluntary recall is done the fda does not automatically ban the product to be sold. Actually, you could reproduce another shipment without that ingredient if you choose. We decided to discontinue due to what we discovered. If you research back far enough, you will see that zi xiu tang has been changed several times over the years with box design and ingredient.
I am sure that if you purchase zi xiu tang currently it will not have the same effects. I am sure that because of this it has been removed. For now anyway….. Investigation on zi xiu tang is still being conducted and I sure this is not the last you will hear of problems associated with zi xiu tang.
My question will always be….if there is such a thing as non counterfeit vs counterfeit…I would like to see proof. I will never again trust any dietary supplements made in China and hopefully by initiating this recall it can help raise awareness so no one gets hurt.
Jen,
I am not even sure why I am wasting my time leaving a reply because you seem to dodge everyone’s comments and bring up points that are not even in dispute. But, maybe there was something confusing about my comment. So, on the chance that I didn’t make myself clear here it goes again…..
An FDA investigator came to this supplier right after you contacted the FDA with this supplier’s name. The FDA investigator took a bottle of the classic zi xiu tang from this supplier to have it tested for sibutramine. All of this took place in October of 2012.
It certainly doesn’t take long for the results to come back. The simple truth is the FDA DID NOT come back to this supplier with results stating the classic zi xiu tang which was removed from the supplier’s warehouse tested positive for sibutramine. Had the product tested positive the FDA would have had the product removed!
Carolyn, you are assuming that the FDA works fast. It doesn’t. its caught in a quicksand of red tape and gov bureaucracy. I don’t think anything happens fast over there. Until there is a formal announcement I think caution is wise.
Joe,
The FDA sure worked fast enough to put up warnings and notices on their site after the ultimate and classic zixiutang that was being distributed by Jen’s company was tested positive for sibutramine. What I’m saying is the supplier whom Jen turned in to the FDA had their product pulled and tested and no report of it being positive has ever come back!
Carolyn,
Where is the documentation on these results? Or was this just something you were told by the company? I guess you didn’t read my other comments as well. China has been adding the ingredient on and off. Hence the recall of lots! It is not Zi Xiu Tang itself, it is Zi Xiu Tang being tainted by sibutramine! Zi Xiu Tang itself is not illegal. And we all know that the ingredients that are listed on the Zi Xiu Tang box do not cause weight loss!
Joe,
You are correct. They do not work fast. The investigation is still open.
Carolyn,
I never said that I “turned in” any other company to the FDA. If you notice the voluntary recall was done by our company. They were aware of the distributor from the bottom of the Classic box. I will however raise awareness on zi xiu tang and tell anyone who asks the distributor I purchased from. As a consumer they have the right to know. You stating that the zi xiu tang was tested is here say. There is no record that their product was tested. You would think that they would have each shipment privately tested so consumers can feel comfortable. But I guess the word of a Chinese manufacturer is good enough for some.
Jenn, did you get a warning letter last month? Doesn’t that conclude their investigation?
Anonymous, care to share your name? it helps others keep up understand conversation. even your first name. thanks
You didn’t address the fact that they “worked fast” to get the recall up about your product? did it take months for them to determine it was in there?
Anonymous,
Like I said before, the investigation is still open. They do not work fast. And when the investigation closes….it will be for our case. I never had anyone bash any products on facebook pages. I have had several customers state they attempted to post questions about the recall on pages also through email and phone. Posts are deleted, emails never answered, and phone calls never returned.
This is the only blog I keep up on. Even though my previous zi xiu tang business name is used on resellers sites with falsified information… it doesn’t bother me as long as the truth is out there about zi xiu tang. Also, I never mention zi xiu tang on any other resellers websites. Where is documentation of these supposed testing? Where is the proof regarding “counterfeit”? What ingredients listed on the box cause weight loss?
As a user and a fan of one of the sellers on facebook, didn’t you have people bashing the products on their pages? Why would you do that if you had no ulterior motive? You also bash it on your new business site, is that being professional? If you are being honest, why do you have to go around bashing it? To me, it makes you petty and bitter, not looking to be helpful to others.
How do u know the add the ingredient on and off? Where is your documentation on that, since u r such a fan of documentation? The FDA only mentions products u sold and specific lots, so where is your proof it’s in the rest?
And for someone requesting documentation u sure hold your documentation, besides what the FDA letter stated, from the public. How about showing the actual lab results that say what is in it? They do tell u all the ingredients they find do they not?
And how can u say they do not work fast? How long did it take them to test your product and post the results?
And another thing for those who compare sibutramine side effects to the bee pollen, has anyone ever taken psyllium husk? I have and guess what, it dehydrated me because it absorbs more water from your body, it also warns to drink plenty of water. Well I thought I drank enough, however my pressure elevated slightly and it made me feel strange, so does that mean they r adding sibutramine to psyllium husk? NO, it means I was dehydrated and didn’t drink enough water, so should I tell everyone to stay away from it too?
Anonymous, nobody is comparing bee pollen to sibutraminine. Bee pollen is useless for weight loss. Unless the only thing you eat is bee pollen, it won’t do a thing for weight loss. Other than being a laxative I never felt zi xiu tang was anything special as far as a weight loss product is concerned.
Actually, Joe, you specifically did a few months back before the FDA announcement.
LD that was me taking a guess of what I thought was happening based on the ingredients.
OK, so you were comparing the zi xiu tang to sibutramine. And my point was, the psyllium husk has similar side effects, so does that mean it is tainted as well?
LD, we will have to agree to disagree.
Really? So, comparing side effects of sibutramine to side effects of the zi xiu tang is not what you were doing?
Its amazing how when someone is calling you out on something you said, you deny it. Just like you said the FDA report was unofficial and that Jenn was under a “gag order”, you pretend you said it before Jenn came forward, when you wrote it:
Joe June 10, 2013 at 8:21 am
LD, she says she cant do that yet. if the FDA has her under a gag order, I don’t want her to break the law before the FDA officially releases their results.
LD if you read the comments from my several zi xiu tang -and reviews of related products – I made it clear I felt there was something in those products that was not listed on the label based on what people were saying and because I could find no logical reason why those products would work. Im not going to argue about any of this with people. Its not a matter of who said what first. I will await for the FDA
did you also see the FDA warnings on Hokkaido weight loss pills – they also found sibutramine there too. nobody told the the FDA to investigate that.
you believe what you like.
I know what you were doing. My question was, psyllium husk is said to aide in weight loss, as well as other benefits, has same side effects as the zi xiu tang as far as dry mouth, dehydration, etc. so based on that, would you claim that psyllium husk is also tainted with sibutramine?
LD can you provide a reference that psyllium causes dry mouth?
Obviously we disagree about what in zi xiu tang causes weight loss – and thats fine. we can agree to disagree. Im comfortable waiting for the FDA to issue a final report.
Here is anotherFDA warning about ANOTHER chinees herbal wt loss supplement called XIYOUJI QINGZHI CAPSULE that contains sibutramine
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm355797.htm
Final report? The warning and testing from the FDA have already been listed.
I can tell you from personal experience it causes dry mouth, which was from dehydration, which also caused my blood pressure to elevate (not severely) and my pulse to elevate. So i drank some extra water and I was fine.
I am not arguing what the FDA found. My point was there are lots of things that cause those reactions.
And I still do not understand what the big deal is with revealing the results from her private lab testing. If it were me, I would want to show everyone, if for no other reason to shut them up. And anytime I ask “why she doesn’t want to reveal the results” she avoids the question by asking another question. I too have contacted the FDA and am told “no reports available”.
I am so sick of questions not being answered directly.
LD I think the questions are being answered, although not to your satisfaction. Right now what do I know about this:
1. as my review shows the ingredients in zi xiu tang really have no proof for weight loss, other than maybe being a laxitive
2. people reported drastic weight loss with zi xiu tang, but several months later, it stopped. Then it started up again. distributors were frustrated by this also as Ive seen from internal memos
3. FDA has issued warning letters about zi xiu tang, hokkaido weight loss pills and at least one other Chinese weight loss product called XIYOUJI QINGZHI CAPSULE because they found sibutramine in these products.
dry mouth is a side effect of sibutramine, but as you rightly pointed out it can also be a side effect of other things as well. That said, because of FDA warning letters being issued on several Chinese weight loss supplements because of the presence of sibutramine, I am of the opinion that this is not a coincidence or conspiracy.
I have answered your questions. I will not provide any testing, the FDA posted their warning and stated that they themselves have tested it. If your expecting the FDA to send you test results I highly doubt they will do that. If your looking for results because you don’t believe the FDA then have them tested yourself or contact the person you purchase from to confirm testing to make sure it is safe. It is there responsibility to make sure the product they distribute is safe for the consumer. And it should definitely be more than a anti counterfeit code on a Chinese website. My zi xiu tang also had a anti counterfeit code and still contained sibutramine.
Anonymous,
I am unsure as to what other answers you are searching for? Do you not believe the documentation listed by the FDA that the lots listed contained an illegal ingredient sibutramine? I can only speak for what our company recalled and where we purchased from to raise awareness. The point is these Chinese manufacturers added an ingredient that is illegal in the USA. What if someone consumes this product thinking that the ingredients listed on the box are accurate and they take other medications or have medical issues? If the ingredient is in the product it should be known. With any supplement the consumer should be able to look at the ingredients listed and be confident that there isn’t any harmful ingredients listed. I will ask this again….As for the ingredients listed in zi xiu tang which ones assist with weight loss especially the large amounts of weight customers have claimed to lose taking the product?
You demand all of this documentation from people, and yet provide none of your documentation proving that the manufacturer puts the sibutramine in some but not others. I ask again, where is the proof of that? You claim the tests that Carolyn speak of not coming up positive is hear say, well so is your claim that the don’t put it in all of the bottles.
The reason I ask to see the test results is because I want to see the amount of sibutramine that was found in the pills? Is that unreasonable to ask? I have requested it from the FDA and have heard nothing other than the report is not available. So, if you are concerned for people’s health, why not reveal the lab results?
LD, she says she cant do that yet. if the FDA has her under a gag order, I don’t want her to break the law before the FDA officially releases their results.
No, what she said was she signed a confidentiality agreement with the private lab she used to test the products before going to the FDA.
And if the results they already posted are not official, why the recall and all of this debate?
The results listed by the FDA are the only results needed to show that it is not safe. The public can make their own decisions from that.
Are you going to take my offer?? Send me the documents and inwill shut down my business TODAY. If this is the case that makes us all illegal drug dealers as I stated before but got no response on that.
Kristi, it all comes down to do you trust that the FDA is telling the truth about what they found or do you, and whether you believe the FDAs finding of sibutramine was an isolated incident from a “counterfit” zi xiu tang or whether this is a wide spread issue with the this type of product.
I can say this this spiking of supplements with drugs is not only for zi xiu tang. Its been going on for years in the male enhancement supplement category.
That is the whole point I am getting at here Joe– it wasn’t the fdas findings. It was zixiutangsuccess’ findings. Then they were they the ones to tell the fda and the fda has not come out with a report either way with “official” findings. I do have to say I have taken the so called counterfeits before and they honestly made me sick. Not like throwing up sick bit body aches, severe cramping, chills– flu like symptoms. I do believe that the original manufacturer put the anti counterfeit in place for a reason. Not just so people would buy his stuff but because you just don’t kno whether it comes from China or the USA. Just because co sine is illegal in the state’s does not mean people can’t get their hands in it here. Just because meridia or ephedra is illegal does not mean that pills manufactured in the state’s don’t have it in it. Everybody takes a chance with everything. Especially medicine or herbal supplements
Jen can you address this – was the FDA alert based on their findings or a private lab you hired?
Sure no problem. I know I had explained before but it might of been on your other blog. The results that are posted on the FDA website are direct and official results of their FDA lab testing. The FDA can not and will not just take anyone’s word for it, they must deem a product harmful before posting a warning to the public. Hence the reason, the warning states “FDA laboratory analysis confirm…”
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm325537.htm
I believe his question was did you private lab testing prompt the FDA testing and recalling it.
You are right everyone takes a chance with dietary supplements, just how you are taking a chance selling zi xiu tang without being absolutely positive of the ingredients. The official findings were posted by the FDA and tested by the FDA http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm325537.htm
Anyone can create a counterfeit link add it to their website and add a sticker to the bottle with numbers in it and claim it is authentic….wake up!
OMG, they why do some of the pills, that do work, make people sick and the others do not? The reseller Kristi said she took the alleged counterfeit ones and did get sick, but not from the “authentic” ones. So can you explain that?
LD only some pills appear to cause strange side effects because I believe only some of them contain hidden ingredients. One of those hidden ingredients appears to be sibutramine but I am open to other things being present as well.
I understand that, but how do u explain that it does work for some with zero problems and others report getting sick? I have been on them since August,have consistently lost weight with no plateau and no sick feelings or problems.
LD, if it works in some who do not have side effects, I can only speculate.
1. Maybe it was a placebo effect. I know nobody wants to think about this but its possible it acted as a crutch, helping people focus on being healthy
2. maybe the level of hidden ingredients was too low to cause problems in healthy people who took it for a short period of time
3. maybe those people just got lucky
Ultimately I’m guessing on all of this. I wish I could give you a better answer to your question.
Ld,
Just because you are not experiencing any problems now does not mean that you could not have long term problems down the road. What is acting as an appetite suppressant in the product? I cant seem to figure out what listed ingredient causes appetite suppression. Also, about 2 years ago senna was removed from the product because they claimed people were misusing it. Then it was put back in renaming it Classic. Senna is not meant to be taken long term and can cause long term effects such as weakened colon muscles, electrolyte disturbances, exacerbate heart disease, electrolyte imbalances and potassium deficiency 22. If you have been on them since August you might want to take a break.
How is absolutely right. And every person reacts differently but it does not make it right that China is adding this ingredient without the consumers knowledge.
No I will not accept your offer. I recommended a place to have your zi xiu tang tested and also recommended that you contact your supplier to see what info they can offer you. You don’t have to believe me, although I would hope you would take the initiative to be positive about what you are selling to customers. It is ultimately your responsibility if you are selling it. Our company did what we felt was right and did our part in recalling and warning the public. There are so many still selling zi xiu tang and I hope that consumers will be more cautious of what they choose to take. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
LD,
Being concerned for other’s health is why there is a warning from the FDA on zi xiu tang. I am unsure why some of you refuse to believe it. Whether it is a low dose or a high dose of sibutramine that was found (which I will not reveal) the point is it was still added without the consumers knowledge.
Like I said, no matter what documentation is provided, there will continue to be question after question in attempts to defend zi xiu tang. And still the question remains…with the ingredients listed on the zi xiu tang box what ingredient or ingredients cause such rapid weight loss, dry mouth, insomnia, and string appetite suppression?? This question continues to be avoided….
Jen-
I am not a scientist, nor do I have the means to have supply tested. I am a consumer, I do not have any of the problems people are reporting. What I question is YOU and your motive.
LD, If I can toss my 2 cents in. A lot of people comment on this website and Ive gotten pretty good at sniffing out who is legit and who has an agenda. I can say I have never doubted Jens motives about this. Everybody likes a good conspiracy theory. I just dont think this is one of those instances.
Thank you Joe.
I am glad to hear that you have had no side effects and I hope you never will down the road as well. As far as my motive….think about this…I was a reseller of zi xiu tang for quite some time and made a decent side living doing so. Why would I choose to discontinue selling and voluntary recall(meaning I reimbursed every single customer who returned product) and start from scratch all over again?? I can tell you why…it is wrong!! It is wrong not just ethically but criminally to sell a product that contains a hidden ingredient. I choose not to promote a product that could potentially harm someone. I did the right thing whether you choose to believe it or not. I am not giving any amounts or records of any of my findings. All that you need to know is listed on the FDA website. You could try contacting the company you purchase from maybe they will be able to provide you with what you need. I no longer promote this product or recommend anyone taking it.
AND, the reason I ask for the amounts is because I want to know if it was tainted because of processing or if they put it in there deliberately. And yes, it would be a different amount. Product get tainted all the time and get recalled (peanut butter for example, dog food, etc.).
I can not speak for zi xiu tang if it was deliberate because I did not go directly through China I went through the “exclusive” distributor. But I can tell you as far as the Ultimate formula we also recalled I contacted them after testing and they said and I quote “if we not add it, it have no results” We were unaware of this until after testing and of course they took no responsibility and did not see any problem with what they did. They were concerned however in making money and wanted us to continue to sell. I never responded.
Is the Ultimate the same manufacturer?
No. The Classic Zi Xiu Tang was manufactured by Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology, Co. And the Ultimate was manufactured by Guangzhou Yan Xiang Biotechnology Co.