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.
What are your credentials?
Thanks Marie. Iil be posting something on Hcg drops soon. as for zxt, Ive never seen any research it increases testosterone. I doubt if it did. I think the caffeine in zxt may have been causing some of your issues. I would do the traditional way also 🙂
Good article thanks!. I ordered a sample for 12 days. First of all I have Polycystic Ovarian syndrome and Colitis. I eat healthy and exercise regularly and have been able to control my disorders. I had read that the pill supposedly helped your testosterone go up. I sure don’t need that since I already suffer from this problem, but proceeded to give the pill a try. It claimed no exercise was needed, which I didn’t like. The first two days, I was unable to sleep, and I was really upset and mad at the world. I think this was when my testestorone level kicked in. In addition, I was constipated, and really thirsty.
I stopped on day 10. I was being so mean to my boyfriend, and broke up with him. the pills made me into this total bitch. Let’s just say I promised him I would stop taking them. No weight was lost. I’ve seen all these people claiming to lose so much weight with the pills. I’m glad it worked for them. Ill just continue the traditional way and not risk my health. I’ve seen how the hcg drops have become a fad. Messing around with hormones like that should not be good, and of course a 500 calorie diet is going to make you lose weight. That’s insane!
Hello, I would like to share my personal experience with ZXT. I began a healthier lifestyle last March and went from 196 to 188 with diet/exercise. My friend told me about ZXT in May of 2010 and I decided to give it a try. From June to October I went from 188 to 168. I did have side effects but loved the fact that I wasn’t hungry. I also worked out 3x per week. I kept the weight off but could not get below 168.
I ran out of pills over the holidays (November & December) and gained about 7 pounds (now 175). Last month, I ordered more and did not notice the same effects as before. They were not fake (I purchased from the same provider as before and typed the anti-counterfeit code online) but something felt different. I did not lose any weight during this month.
I called the woman I purchased them from and she told me that the company took out one of the main ingredients (Senna) and that every batch since January 2011 has been yielding lousy results. Her plan is to sell the ZXT with separate Senna capsules (a laxative). She is sending me the Senna to take with the new bottle, so hopefully that works. I will keep you posted on the progress!
Not to disappoint any of you ladies/men out there. This is my story. I am 22, and a little bit chubby, Height 5.5, weight 150. My mother 5.3, 200 pounds, ordered a sample bottle and started taking pills and lost 15 pounds first month. So we both decided to order more.
So its been 2.5 month and neither of us lost ANY more weight! I love food and my appetite has not changed at all. I am very sad. Mom says the first sample bottle of pills worked and she felt right away but now still hoping to loose more we were taking it for 2.5 month and NOTHING!
I dont understand how it can work and then stop! Pills are not fake, they have that code on the back. Not sure if I should keep my hopes up and keep taking them. Not sure what to do.
Stephy.Thanks for serving America on top of being a mom! Im sure that can be a challenge. Remember it’s about being healthy not just about losing weight. It sounds like you are in very good shape regardless of what the scale says.
I’m not sure what exactly is in zxt (I have doubts about how truthful the label is). I hope I am wrong but I want to mention this in case you get drug tested in the military. Keep me posted 🙂
Joe,
i am a 24 y/o military female that had a baby about 10 months ago, i am extremely active (running about 20 miles a week at least) i have a great diet! but i cant lose anymore weight! i hate “cheating” by taking diet pills but i am desperate, i feel like i am doing everything right its just not working keep in mind before i had my baby i was about fit and weighed 130ish… my co-workers started this pill and I’ve seen them slim down right before my eyes!!! So a friend said she would give me a few to try out the first week…and I’ll keep you posted i start tomorrow! starting weight is 151! wish me luck!!!
Cheryl, Im glad you stumbled upon my site as well. It sounds like you are making good progress. There are many paths to weight loss and it sounds like you are doing it the smart way by exercising and using weight watchers. zxt may be helping (I’m still not sure how though) but regardless, as long as you are not experiencing any strange side effects from zxt than Im happy that you are losing weight.
Do keep exercising as this will help not only your weight loss but also help you keep your muscle (muscle doesn’t come back when we lose it) . I like weight watchers also because it provides a family to help you stay on target.
I say be happy that you’ve lost 17 pounds and look forward to the next 17! Keep me posted on your progress.
Hi Cheryl,
as for how much water you should drink, its a difficult question to answer. If you dont get thirsty too much, you are probably drinking enough. Some say if your urine looks clear then you are OK too.
Here is an interesting water calculator tool that might help you
http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm
If I remember right the average woman gets about 91 oz of fluid a day so you are in that range. I dont think 150 oz would hurt you if you are basically healthy.
I wanted to point out water overload because the zi xiu tang people (most of who probably have no formal education about nutrition or biochemistry) just keep hammering that “drink water” mantra that I wonder if someone might take things to extreme. If you have not had any strange side effects (dizziness, muscle weakness, headache, passing out etc), you are probably ok.
Don’t worry about diet soda either. I’m not one of “those people” who bash diet sodas and coffee. Research proves that any diuretic effect these drinks have is minimal if you are used to caffeine. Diet soda, tea, coffee, the water in fruits and veggies etc all contribute to your daily water intake.
You don’t have to feel ashamed that you drink diet soda. If it really was “poison” as some people say, then I would have died a long time ago 😉
Also Joe,
I read your comment about drinking too much water. In the past I used to only drink soda (I know bad). I have completely cut that out of my diet and drink water and/or crystal light only. I drink around 80-100 oz per day. Is this too much? I was told for my weight I should be drinking around 150 oz?
Hello Joe,
I just stumbled upon your review. I have been taking the pills for just over a month. Before I tell you what I have experienced let me tell you my situation.
I’m 30, severely obese, I’m 5’8″ and my starting weight was 332lbs on Jan 16, 2011. I was seriously considering weight loss surgery but before doing that thought I would try it on my own one more time. My cousin who was about 20 lbs overweight tried this product and lost all 20lbs in about 3-4 months.
So here is what I experienced:
Week 1 – first few days was jittery and had trouble sleeping. Was slightly less hungry. I was going to the bathroom normally. I have suffered from constipation my whole life. The pain in the top left side of my tummy finally went away. I lost 1 lb that week but was still eating un-healthy. I know the bottle says not to change your diet, but I decided to give that a try….
Week 2
I decided to try weight watchers while using the pill. In the past I had a lot of trouble keeping within my points because I was so hungry all the time. While taking this pill I am able to stay within my points and even eat less than my daily points sometimes. I lost 4 lbs this week.
Week 3
Continued with same as week 2 but added in some exercise, nothing crazy just treadmill for 45 mins. I lost 5 lbs that week.
Week 4
Continued same as week 3, but found I’m not going to the bathroom as often anymore. and also very thirsty. I lost 4 lbs that week
Week 5
Continued same as week 4, still drank lots more water. I was a little constipated last week, but additional water is helping. I lost 3 lbs last week!
This is a total of 17lbs! I know this may sound silly, but I have struggled with my weight since I’m a little girl. I’m not sure if its the pill or the weight watchers or both but this is the first time I’m able to loose weight on my own and not feel starving all the time!
PS – I apologize if this was too graphic in any way, but figured it was better to share my exact experience!
Sabrina, I appreciate your frustration in not wanting to make a mistake. I’d rather not get into adverting zxt websites or specific distributors because that’s a slippery slope.
I don’t want to open up the possibility of zxt distributors posing as “real people” giving info that people can’t totally trust.
They say the real stuff should have a 20 digit anti counterfeit code on the bottle that you can impute into a website so you can look for this if you like. I’m not sure if that method is totally foolproof though.
Does anyone else have any any ideas on how to identify authentic zxt?
Can anyone recommend a website which sells the REAL pills? I don’t want to purchase fakes!
The headaches that people who take ZXT often report may be the result of drinking too much water. This is called water intoxication (also called hyponatremia).
Basically too much water dilutes the salts (electrolytes) in the blood. One of the side effects of water intoxication is headaches.
Other signs include difficultly breathing, muscle weakness, confusion, being overly tired, uncontrolled muscle twitching, nausea/vomiting and irritability.
Hyponatremia can kill you. Remember the woman who died while trying to win a radio contest a few years ago? She was drinking so much water that it killed her. it was hyponatremia that killed her.
I wanted to bring this up because the Zi Xiu Tang distributors love to say keep drinking water – how many of them ever mention that you can drink too much water?
Healthy kidneys can only excrete about 1 quart of water per hour. So people who drink much more than this are increasing the risk of water intoxication.
I really must apologize to everybody that this did not occur to me sooner. Some of the ZXT side effects people report could be the result of drinking too much water.
Tray, in theory exercise should help you use more calories. zxt websites say you dont have to exercise (and you can eat whatever you like) because they are trying to make things easy. Easy is not always best. ZXT websites really should not say you dont have to exercise because they have never tested whether exercise helps zxt work better or not.
Lea thanks for writing and I am glad zxt has been helping you. I would caution that your difficulty breathing (wheezing you said happened) is a sign of an allergic reaction and it can be serious. If it happens again DO GO TO THE HOSPITAL.
The next time you see your doctor can ask him/her where they saw the bee pollen weight loss evidence. I would like to read it. I have been looking for proof of bee pollen and weight loss and I have never found any evidence.
The first time I bought ZXT they were fake and I had horrible side effects before I figures out I was taking fakes. I had terrible migraines, so bad that I could not function well. So be VERY careful of buying fakes and definitely do your research first!
After I bought real ZXT I began losing weight the first day, I am not exaggerating. I lost about 15 (yes, 15!!) pounds the first month and then it tapered off to a more healthy 3 – 4 pounds for the next two months. Before ZXT I was taking phentermine and I hated it. Phentermine made me angry all the time and so moody and gave me headaches and heart palpitations. ZXT does none of that to me. I think it helps me lose weight by ridding my body of built up toxins because it makes me have very loose and nasty poop! Gross, I know, but that’s the truth.
I gave some to my sister-in-law and she also lost weight the first day. Now she wants to order ZXT too, along with my mother-in-law. The only thing I would caution is to listen to your body because everyone’s body is unique. I also found out I am allergic to bee pollen (or some other ingredient in ZXT) because it gives me a slight case of hives and a very red itchy rash on my thighs and legs. It also makes me feel like I am slightly wheezing. I am allergic to cats and the symptoms are almost identical to what I experience when I am around cats. However, after taking ZXT for about two months I stopped having the reactions. I decided that the benefit of helping me easily melt the weight off outweighed the allergic reactions.
I had to stop taking ZXT because I had surgery about a week ago. My doctor said I can start taking it again so I am going to order more. AND I have not gained any of the weight back! I have not taken the pills for almost 3 whole weeks. I have had nothing but AMAZING results with ZXT. Also, my doctor told me he has recently heard that bee pollen helps a lot of people with their weight loss goals.
Also, wanted to add that I am nowhere near my ideal weight. I still have to lose another 50 pounds to get close to my ideal weight. I’ve already lost 20. I don’t think exercising should make that much of a difference in these pills. I understand that in general, exercise is beneficial and imperative to successful weight loss, but these supplements specifically state no exercise is required.
This is in response to the woman, Tami,” who mentioned that it does not work for her any longer. I am having exactly the same problem. And it is exactly around the same time: 6 weeks. I dont have any side effects, my appetite is back and I am not losing any more weight. In fact, I gained a couple of pounds. I also stopped taking them for a few days, and it did nothing. I can’t seem to find any information about why it stops working and what to do. I lost 20 pounds the first month and NEED to keep it up. Please, if there is anyone out there that has had a similar experience and beat it, please share what you did. Or, if anyone knows why this happens, please let us know!!
Juilet, thanks for chiming in. As an trained and skilled herbalist I am sure you take a health history of the people you work with before you prescribe any herbs and would not prescribe herbs you feel might interfere with a persons health or medications they take.
I have no problem with a skilled health professional using appropriate amount of herbs to treat a condition naturally if there is a reason and the herbs don’t interfere with other treatments.
When it comes to ZXT, there are people taking it who have never met with an herbalist, physician or any other medical professional. People assume that if its natural, its safe.
People who are using ZXT are overweight and often they are using a variety of medications including blood thinners. Since you said yourself that Hawthorn has a blood thinning effect, its possible that it may “over thin the blood”, which could be disastrous. If hawthorn lowers blood pressure than it might interact with blood pressure medications that people are taking.
Also, with hawthorn (as well as any herb), one size does not fit all. If we don’t know the health of the person, then the amount of hawthorn used may either do nothing or have bad consequences.
China is in many ways, still a 3rd world country. What kind of quality control occurs at the factory that makes zi xiu tang? If there is not good quality control, then too much hawthorn may be used. We have seen the result of poor quality control in toys coming from China that contained lead. Might the same lack of quality control occur in a supplement company that may or may not have been around 2 years ago before zxt hit the US market?
Juliet I think we agree more than we disagree on this issue. I would much rather have you, as a trained herbalist giving someone hawthorn, than a company that mass produces something, whose workers are unskilled, work long hours at a tedious factory-like job and maybe making only $3 a month.