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.
Nina, I don’t think you did anything wrong. I think what happened to you is a testament that you just cant trust what is in bottles of zi xiu tang. Don’t beat yourself up over this. Its not your fault.
As a rule I do not trust supplements from China or that part of the world which have only been in business a few years because I have no faith that they have what the label says.
I took a bottle of this twice… I got sick both times after I finished them. I lost weight fast but did get real sick and I usually get sick once a year. I noticed it after halfway done with the second bottle. I would never recommend this product only because I got sick.. if you don’t mind getting sick and losing weight.. then by all means this will work.
I have been using this product for a few months and it has worked miracles…. UNTIL they took out the sibutramine (which, of course we did not even know was in it). The new bottles with the “CONTAINS NO SIBUTRAMINE” on the label do not do anything to suppress your appetite. The old ones blocked your craving for any kind of food at all – you had to force yourself to eat. Now I know why.
I could not be more disappointed – I wish there was a way to get the old ones back!
KEASHIA
I’VE BEEN TAKING THESE PILLS FOR A MONTH AND I’M SOOO PISSED BECAUSE I ACTUALLY GAINED WEIGHT INSTEAD OF LOST IT. NO ENERGY CONSTIPATED AND EAT EVERYTHING THAT’S IN SIGHT I HAD OPPOSITE SIDE EFFECTS THEY DID NOT WORK FOR ME AT ALL. AND MY SKIN BROKE OUT TOOO. WHAT DID I DO WRONG SOME PLEASE HELP ME
Keashia, yes I agree that senna carries some risks. it was one of the red flags I first noticed when I investigated ZXT. I’ve been to the diet spotlight site before.
Just a heads up, the website is sponsored by the company that makes the weight loss supplement Avesil. I noticed Avesil was listed as ‘our top weight loss choice” at the end of the Senna review so I thought I’d mention it. Here is my review of Avesil if you missed it
http://supplementclarity.com/avesil-weight-loss-review/
when they removed the senna they removed the main ingrident of the pill. senna has heart risks and more stuff. i think yall should check out this website http://www.dietspotlight.com/senna-review/
I have no energy no wight lost on these pills. and I’m very upset because I feel like i wasted my money. I know my body doesn’t need to go through a whole entire bottle of pills to detox. I wonder how my body is detoxing if I’m not going to the rest room I’m constipated. What’s going on, someone told me it may be my water intake well i increased it no change at all.
I started taking zxt about October of 2010. I definitely saw results within a few days & continued to lose weight for the next couple of months. I never had any weird side effects or anything so I was really liking the results I was getting from the zxt.
But for the past couple of months I haven’t been seeing any results at all. So, I’m wondering, like Mora, if it’s because they took out the senna. I had never heard of senna but after looking up some info on it, that’s probably the only reason people (including me) were losing weight on the zxt.
I’ll definitely be interested to know what the FDA says about the zxt they are testing.
Mora, yes apparently the makers of zxt say they have taken out the senna. This likely makes zxt less effective because others have been saying that it doesn’t work as well, if at all. I’ve said from almost the start that senna was one of the key ingredients in zxt. I have also speculated that I felt zxt contained an undisclosed ingredient (weight loss drug?). While I can only guess on this for the moment, if true, I wonder if this mystery ingredient has also been removed? The FDA has apparently sized some zxt and is testing it now. if anything develops I will let everyone know.
Hi Joe,
I have received the pills a week ago. I realized that I have gained 2 pounds. I did some research and found out that in January 2011 they took out the senna with in the pills because of the risk senna carried. But now customers aren’t loosing any weight.
Well so far I have looked at testimonials from January 2011 until this date and have found all reviews are negative. Please tell me you know or have heard of someone who has lost weight using these pills within the past 3 months. I really want this pill to work.
-Mora
I have been on these pills for 3 weeks and i have gained 4 pounds ..now for a pill that is suppose to work why am i gaining and not losing..i drink water after water can you tell me why I am not losing?????
thank you
when your on the site…the zxt site? right below the 2nd box…is a group of numbers/ letters…thats what you enter…its a way to stop autobots from trying codes…
also…there is another posting about this product …look to top of this and the right side? will see another thread…has a lot of side effects listed and more from those of us who have tried it..
I wont say not to try it…cause if someone told me…i would always wonder if it might have worked…but…if you have knowledge going into it…hopefully you can stop taking it if problem before problem is too severe..
Heather tks for the reply. Where is that computer code found with the letters and numbers?
Yeah, I’ve been reading a lot about zxt and I decided I wanna try it. Just have about 10lbs to lose but it’s my last 10 and it’s so hard to get rid of it. It seems like there are a lot of missed reviews on this product. I just wanna be sure I absolutely have the real thing before I try it.
jamie..
on top line…you enter the entire code…it is really long number…will be 18 or 20 numbers (i dont have my bottle near me at moment to count)
on bottom line you enter the computer code (letters and numbers)
then once you do that….if there is box in lower corner in red and in English telling you thanks for purchase…its authentic…for what that’s worth. if pop up in Chinese happens still, it is not. but …as seen if you read back through the previous posts….authentic has just as many risks / side effects as fake …and senna tea can mess with your kidneys and liver…
now…i am really one to talk as i currently take it…but…please read back through everyone’s previous posts and then decide? its better to make informed “mistake” then ignorant folly…
Jamie, It does appear that there may be scammers out there who are putting god knows what in pills and calling it zxt. Thats not to say that “authentic” zxt is any better. Ive thought for a long time that zxt was a scam and that it contains a drug not listed on the label. I have no proof of this (yet) but even if I am wrong, other than being a laxative, there is no way that zxt has any special weight loss properties (this is why I think there is a drug in it). I dont feel you should lose any sleep over zxt with cotton balls or no cotton balls. the same goes for so called counterfeit zxt also.
I would not use senna tea. It can be dangerous. Here is a case report of someone who overdosed on senna
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16268429
off topic, but I feel men should avoid zxt. the couple of men who have written in here have said zxt affects their sex drive. I ask myself how is this possible if it just contains laxatives and bee pollen?
There is something in zxt that is doing something. I just don’t think it is worth it.
Oh one more thing… I’m gonna buy senna to take with the zxt and I read that the tea will give you less cramping when u steep it? So I’m considering the tea over the pills? What do u think? Just don’t wanna get bad cramps. Or if u know anything that will help with the cramps? Thanks
Hi Joe. I just purchased a bottle and I was told the authentic zxt does NOT have a cotton ball in the bottle? Mine does. I pretty sure I have the real thing here so I went on the website to verify and I’m confused. On the bottle I scratched off the front code and I have 2 lines of numbers. So when I went on the website there are to blank lines to enter your code. So I Put the top line on the bottle in the top line on the website( anti-counterfeiting code) then the 2nd line of numbers on the bottle I put on the 2nd line on the website(validation code).
So I did this and a message with Chinese writing came up? Did I enter the code wrong? I thought the code on the front of the bottle was the anti-counterfeiting code so I’m not sure where the validation code is? Please help? And the whole cotton ball thing is throwing me off?..cotton ball in bottle or no cotton ball? Its a bottle of 60. Thanks
Kathy, please don’t beat yourself up over this. You did what many people have done. you took a shot and you learned from your experience. Experience is the fruit of the tree of errors, someone once said. you learned a lot from your experiences with zxt. As I mentioned to someone else, try writing down what it means to be healthy – what are the reasons that matter most to you? when you know the reasons, that might help you focus more on whats really important. Its not about body weight, its about being healthy and living a long time. That’s what counts.
I had a very negative experience on these.
I took the pills for only 5 days and verified that they were the right ones. I am in my mid 20s, in good shape, exercise regularly and eat a healthy vegetarian diet. I’m 5’8 and 190lbs. The extra pounds I carry around come from issues with portion control and a muscular build. I thought the pills might help me lose the ~20lbs exercise and diet never have.
I usually have very regular bowel movements but the pills made me completely constipated. I had head aches all day everyday when I was on them. I was too wired to sleep but felt groggy and had little actual energy. I drink a ton of water regularly so thirst wasn’t an issue for me, but I couldn’t complete my normal workouts without feeling light headed and dizzy (I just stopped both times I tried since I seriously felt as though I would faint).
The only way in which the pill worked for me was in curbing my appetite and helping with portion control. HOWEVER I ended the 5 days 1.5lbs HEAVIER than I started it (my weight can easily fluctuate a couple pounds in a week, but I think this particular weight was due to the lack of my usual exercise & constipation). I felt HORRIBLE and it took about 4 days of the pill to stop having headaches start feeling like myself again. 1.5 weeks later I have lost the weight I gained on the pill (plus 2 more pounds since I’ve been trying to cut down on how much I eat).
I feel dumb for ever thinking this would work. I don’t know how other people have been seeing such great results but I do not believe it is at all a healthy thing to do. I would rather be a little heavy and healthy. I know my issues with food and I think that the only healthy way for me to lose my excess weight is to really buckle down on how much I eat and continue to exercise!
There really is no easy way out! Weight loss is about lifestyle change and I promise myself I will not abuse my body with something like this again!
– Kathy
Thanks for asking. I have an MS degree in exercise science and a BS degree in chemistry and biology. I have been investigating dietary supplements for over 10 years. I am the author of the book Nutritional Supplements What Works and Why, which covers the published peer reviewed evidence for well over 100 dietary supplements.
As a medical professional I think you would enjoy my book. I included over 900 clinical references with most facts referenced right in the text of the book. That said, I wrote it for the lay person, so its easy to read. I also ran it by a few physicians prior to publication. Their endorsements are on the back cover of the book.
To see a more complete biography of me you can check my personal website Joe-Cannon.com