Update 3/9/24. If you have not heard of Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen capsules (also called Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face and Figure Capsules), this is a natural weight loss supplement where some websites actually encourage people to eat what they want! Even the educational pamphlet that accompanies Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen say: “No Diet Restrictions” and that people can achieve “excellent results” even while eating “high fat and high-calorie foods”. The power of Zi Xiu Tang is said to be due to bee pollen and the other ingredients in the supplement. But, things are more complicated than that. This is the second review I've written about the Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen. For more insights on the ingredients, see the original review of Zi Xiu Tang bee pollen. Also, read almost 1000 comments on this review and hundreds of comments on the other Zi Xiu Tang Reviews.
Read The Updates First
I posted these updates above the rest of the content so you would see them first. As you will see below, I originally felt Zi Xiu Tang was a laxative, that still did not fully explain the crazy amounts of weight people were experiencing with this product. I wondered if there might be something else behind these effects.
Unfortunately, the FDA proved my suspicions correct when they found a drug called sibutramine (also known as Meridia) in Zi Xiu Tang -as well as other bee pollen weight loss supplements. Sibutramine has been linked to heart attacks and strokes, so it was banned in the US many years ago.
Update 4/8/14. The FDA warns people to immediately stop taking Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen's 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 alerted the public that Zi Xiu Tang contains the illegal weight loss drug called sibutramine. They advise people to not take Zi Xiu tang. Click the link to see the FDA Public Notification on Zi Xiu Tang. It took the FDA 2 years to prove what I knew from the first day I reviewed Zi Xiu Tang. There was no way this stuff worked the way it did – if it only had the ingredients listed…
Update 6/26/12. I have written a review of ZXT Gold
Update 7/25/12. : ZXT Gold has been found to contain 2 drugs, see the ZXT Gold review for more information.
6/18/13 Update. Here is the review of Slim Trim U for more information.
At first, I could not explain the weight loss people were seeing with this supplement. One person who commented on my first Zi Xiu Tang review said he lost 13 pounds in 1 month!
Now I know why…
How Does Zi Xiu Tang Work?
Thanks to a friend who sent me a bottle of these so-called slimming capsules I can tell you that bee pollen is NOT the active ingredient in Zi Xiu Tang.
If Zi Xiu Tang works, it's because it's a laxative!
I know this is true because several of the ingredients in Zi Xiu Tang have laxative effects. I suspected this because many websites selling Zi Xiu Tang use the word “cleanse.” Cleanse is the alternative medicine term for laxatives.
Probably, the most famous ingredient in Zi Xiu Tang is senna. Senna is not a weight loss supplement; it is a laxative. The FDA also classified it as a non-prescription, over-the-counter laxative drug.
Several other ingredients as you will see also act as laxatives.
The problem with laxatives is the only weight they help us expel feces (poop) and water.
What Does Zi Xiu Tang Mean?
The supplement's name doesn't seem to refer to anything specific. When translated from traditional Chinese to English, the name means “self-show soup.” However, when translated from Literary Chinese, the word means “be.” Could this be a reference to bee pollen, the alleged key ingredient?
Zi Xiu Tang Ingredients Label
Even if you wear eyeglasses, you will find it very difficult to read the ingredients in Zi Xiu Tang. The bottle and box abound with decorative Chinese art and characters, making reading the ingredients very difficult.
The red lettering of the ingredients makes it doubly hard to read. I had trouble even when I held the bottle up to a lamp! So, to save you the trouble, I've listed the ingredients here.
Zi Xiu Tang Full Ingredients List
Here is the entire list of ingredients in Zi Xiu Tang.
- Bee Pollen
- Chinese Yam
- Barbary Wolfberry Fruit
- Lotus Seed
- Dietary Fiber
- Green tea
- Rhubarb
- Aloe
- Cassia
- Astrigillis
- Polygonum multiflorum
- Lotus leaf
- Gynostemme
- Radish seed
- Malt
- Mulberry
- Hawthorn,
- “Vitamins”
Tthe first 4 ingredients are not weight loss herbs. I've already covered these ingredients in my first Zi Xiu Tang review. Let’s now talk about all the other ingredients.
Zi Xiu Tang Ingredients and Side Effects
Senna. Senna is a laxative. Because Zi Xiu Tang contains senna, it’s possible that the same side effects from using too much senna may be seen in those who take Zi Xiu Tang. The side effects can include,
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping gas/bloating
- Flatulence
- Dizziness
Because of diarrhea, products like Zi Xiu Tang that contain senna may in extreme cases cause excessive loss of electrolytes. This can lead to muscle weakness and maybe heart problems. This is because electrolytes are needed for muscle contraction and the heart is a muscle.
People using heart/blood pressure medications should not use senna-containing supplements or products that have similar laxative effects.
To highlight what can happen with senna overdose, there is a case report of a woman who developed liver failure after long-term use of senna tea.
In this report, the woman was drinking a liter of senna tea that contained 70 grams (2.5 oz) of senna fruit. Even with this amount, it took 3 years before liver failure presented itself. This is worth mentioning because everybody is different, and people often think “more is better,” which isn’t always true.
Unlike the laxative effect of fiber, senna is a non-fiber laxative. It works differently to relieve constipation. One of the ingredients in Senna is a class of compounds called anthranoids, which exert laxative effects by damaging the cells of the colon. Because of this, some have speculated that long-term use of senna, may increase the risk of cancer
Because senna supplements have not been studied for long-term use, it is hard to say if this is true or not.
Senna products should be avoided in people who have
- Hemorrhoids
- Heart disease / Blood pressure issues
- Abdominal pain
- Bowel obstructions
- Pregnant or nursing mothers (for obvious reasons)
- Diabetics
In theory, long-term use of senna supplements may make it harder to defecate as the person becomes dependent on the product.
People who take Zi Xiu Tang may notice that the color of their urine looks pink or rust-colored. This is probably due to the senna (and polygonum multiflorum, discussed below) and is not dangerous.
Update: In 2010 Senna was apparently removed from Zi Xiu Tang. Some people report that their bowel movements are less while others report no change. See the comments for more information.
Cassia. Zi Xiu Tang also contains Cassia. While the word cassia is sometimes used to describe the spice, cinnamon, I don’t think this is how they are using the word because cassia can also be another name for senna.
Both of cassia and senna are listed separately on the Zi Xiu Tang label; cassia appears first, followed by senna. Both words are sometimes used together (“cassia senna”). Other names for cassia senna are Cassia acutifola, and Cassia angustifolia.
If cassia on the Zi Xiu Tang label refers to cassia senna, then this, too, is a laxative and likely works synergistically with senna to promote a greater laxative effect.
Green Tea. Zi Xiu Tang also contains green tea. Because green tea contains caffeine, it’s theoretically possible that the caffeine may slightly raise metabolism. This is likely why the Zi Xiu Tang says “increase metabolism” and “increase energy” on the front of the display box. The box does not say how much caffeine is in Zi Xiu Tang.
Rhubarb. Zi Xiu Tang contains Rhubarb which also has laxative effects. It may also have estrogen-like effects. Rhubarb may act synergistically with senna and cassia to cause a greater laxative effect.
Aloe. Zi Xiu Tang contains aloe as well. Aloe juice also has a laxative effect however the bottle does not say if Zi Xiu Tang contains aloe juice or not.
Astragalus. Like all herbs, there are many types of Astragalus. Often used to treat the common cold, this herb does not seem to have any laxative effect. As for astragalus side effects, in large amounts (about 1 ounce, which is likely more than is in Zi Xiu Tang) this herb may increase the immune system which, while good for some can also be bad for others like those with some immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Polygonum multiflorum. This is an herb also known as Fo-Ti and Ho Shu Wu. Some research notes Polygonum multiflorum has a mild laxative effect. At least 7 case reports have noted liver problems including hepatitis resulting from use/misuse of this herb.
Other reports hint that Polygonum multiflorum might alter blood sugar levels (that may be bad for diabetics).
On a side note, Polygonum multiflorum may also be found in supplements designed to lower cholesterol; research suggests that extracts may lower cholesterol and increase HDL. More research is needed to confirm this.
Gynostemma. Some websites say this herb can both cause both weight loss and weight gain. In this respect, Gynostemma might be classified as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a non-medical term used in some circles to describe how a supplement “adapts” to your needs. Websites also claim that gynostemma has laxative effects.
Radish Seed. I could not locate any weight loss effects of this ingredient.
Malt: I could not locate any weight loss effects of this ingredient.
Mulberry. This contains fiber which acts as a laxative.
Hawthorn. People who take medications for high blood pressure or a heart condition should not use hawthorn or supplements containing Hawthorn. Hawthorn does influence the way the heart pumps. This means hawthorn can interact with your heart or blood pressure medications.
Vitamins. Zi Xiu Tang lists “vitamins” but does not indicate which vitamins it contains.
Ingredients that are Laxatives
To recap, here are the ingredients in Zi Xiu Tang that are laxatives
- Senna
- Cassia
- Rhubarb
- Aloe (if it contains Aloe juice)
- Polygonum multiflorum
- Gynostemma
- Mulberry
For more info see my review of Zi Xiu Tang Side Effects
Who makes Zi Xiu Tang?
The company that makes zi xiu tang is said to be the Guangzhou Zixiutang Biotechnology located in China. The strange thing is that I've never been able to find a picture of what this company looks like. Google searches turn up no pictures of the company. Even the website for the company – cn-zixiutang.com – does not show a picture of the company (the website no longer exists).
For more info on the company, see my review of the bee pollen weight loss supplement Slim Trim U.
Zi Xiu Tang Warning Label
If you read the label of Zi Xiu Tang you see this warning of who should not use the product (I'm quoting them verbatim):
“Not Suitable For:
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who suffer from either liver, kidney, Heart Disease, or High Blood Pressure. Adolescents, Elderly, Depressed people, or Anyone with bee or pollen allergies.”
Does Zi Xiu Tang Work?
There is little clinical evidence of weight loss effects for most of the ingredients in Zi Xiu Tang. If it really works, it may be due to laxative effects. Some websites that sell Zi Xiu Tang say the product does not contain sibutramine (weight loss drug), or other drugs like Rimonabant (weight loss drug), Phenytoin (anti-seizure drug) or Phenolphthalein (has laxative effects). This is perhaps a response to previous FDA action against bee pollen-containing weight loss supplements. Does it work as well without pharmaceutical enhancement? You tell me.
Joe, You wanted me to elaborate on the feeling I got in my head, well i can describe it as a little fuzzy feeling, almost a slight bit high and it wasn’t constant. The best part of taking the so called fake pills from China, before I learned how to detect them, was my total lack of interest in food. I had to force myself to eat and I did no snacking.
I chewed my food more thoroughly and felt like I was in total control. I ate to live instead of living to eat. Like I said before, i switched to the “real” pills and didn’t have the same strong reactions like the ones from china, namely good bathroom voiding and lack of appetite. Maybe the ones from China were ok and the people in the U.S. wanted to reap more of the profits. Comments?
I started taking these pills in February and was sooo excited that I lost 9 lbs the first week! After I finished the first month I noticed with the second bottle that I was not losing weight as quickly and also noticed that I would go up a couple lbs then a couple days later go down a few again.
At this point I got REALLY frustrated! I started to watch what I was eating and taking walks with my friends. I lost a total of another 7 lbs OFF the pills in a couple of weeks. 2 weeks ago I started following the “Body For Life” book and I am currently down a total of 25 lbs! I also walk 2 miles 3-4 days a week!
So as someone who of course wants to “wake up skinny” I have to say, I hope your reviews encourage more people to put the pill bottles AND the ice cream down and change your exercise and eating habits to accomplish what you want!!!!! Good Luck to ALL!!
I tried these as well and noticed the same “mouth awareness”…kind of like what I have seen on TV of more serious drug users of a continual jaw movement, almost a grinding motion of the jaw but with out the actual tooth to tooth friction. I quit taking for a month, restarted and noticed the same thing happened again…now I am completely done with these and would not take again. I did drop 15 lbs. in a month but at what cost to my body and overall health. Vanity isn’t worth it, in my opinion.
Susan, its hard to say what is in the zxt you got from ebay. I am concerned that you said you felt “weird in the head”. can you explain more what happened?
Hi Joe,
I got my Zi Xiu Tang pills from e-bay and they really curbed my appetite. I felt a little weird in the head, but it was a tradeoff. I had to force myself to eat, that’s how suppressed my interest in food was. My bowel movements were good and felt like everything was moving along nicely. My clothes were fitting me much looser and the scale was going down steadily. I went from 170 to 153ish in no time. Then I learned there were fake pills and I made sure I got authentic pills for the next purchase, even if it meant paying more. I must say, with the “real” pills, my appetite was not as suppressed and i noticed dry mouth terribly. Granted, I may not have been drinking as much as recommended, but I have been experiencing a mouth awareness, like grinding my teeth and just a different feeling in my mouth. I stopped taking the pills, but I was very happy with the fake ones from e-bay. Any comments?
Well, I have been taking zxt for one week now with no ill effects or weight loss. BM’s were fairly regular before zxt now they have actually slowed to the point of constipation. I drink plenty of water and my appetite has been curbed a bit which really helps me late at night. So far I’m not impressed. I am a fairly active 44 yr old female weighing 153 lbs with a goal of 20 pounds to loose. My eating habits are good not perfect but good. I think I just have to get up off my behind and exercise to help seed up my metabolism. My supply of zxt is authentic. I will update in one week’s time see if there have been any changes.
Hi everyone I started using this product two weeks ago, after witnessing my friend transformation going from size 10 to size 2, in less then 6 months. This person is a 48 yr old female, no health issues, not on any medication, just loves to eat. I witnessed this person laying on her couch, eating a pint of ice cream,while on ZXT. NO excursive, no dieting, ate whatever she desired. I can’t stand how SKINNY she has become, she looks 20 yrs younger, her body looks AMAZING!!! That was enough proof for me to give this product a chance…..it’s been two weeks, so far nothing. I will try for three months if I get good results , I will let everyone know.
Hi Kari
Im a bio nerd too. You can tell your mom that being natural does not always mean being safe.
quicksand is natural
lighting’s is natural
cyanide is natural
you stand on much more firm ground than you think. you are standing on the ground of science – and it can withstand the weight the entire universe 🙂
My mom has been trying to get me to take zxt for months now, even offering to buy me four months worth. I’m a huge biology nerd, and I remember my favorite college professor telling me that if ever there was a safe, effective, weight loss drug, it would be world-wide news; I think this is why I strongly distrust medications like these. I’m really glad I found this article, giving me reasons not to take it. My mom is in her early 50’s and is arguing with me, stating that zxt is ‘all natural!’ so it “can’t hurt you”. She’s been taking it for a few months, and swears by it. I really wish I had better ground to stand on, more facts, more biology.
Thanks a lot.
Chrlene, it could be that Sibutramine (Meridia) might be the drug that responsible for the weight loss effects of zxt. There is still no word from the FDA about the batch they are testing.
The fact that zxt is singling out Sibutramine makes me think that Sibutramine was found in ZXT at some point. If not, why else would they say “contains no Sibutramine”?
Meridia (Sibutramine) has been banned from the US market because it increases the risk of strokes. If zxt has Sibutramine, it would also increase stroke risk.
The fact that the zxt company is specifically making reference to Sibutramine really concerns me. I STRONGLY urge everyone to stop taking zxt right now.
Hi Joe, it’s true that the new Zi Xiu Tang now says “no Sibutramine” in a big red bubble on the top right hand corner of the box and the bottle. It now also says you must take 2 in the morning, AND one before sleep.
Everything else seems to be the same when it comes to ingredients, or so the box/bottle says. What do you think of this? I did research on sibutramine and I saw that a lot of the side effects you get from it match the side effects people get from Zi Xiu Tang like dry mouth, dizziness, restlessness, frequent urination/bowel movement.
I have read reviews that these new pills they make now with no sibutramine work, while other people say it does not work.
Mia thanks for letting me know. Id like to know what ingredients they are making more refined.
That’s interesting that ZXT would state it contains no Sibutramine (Meridia). Wonder why they singled out Meridia?
I saw on the world news last night that Alli might be pulled from the market now. some people are getting liver damage
Hi Joe, just wanted to let everyone know that apparently the new batch of zxt created in feb 15 2011 is suppose to be more effective. Not only did they increase the dosage and modified the instructions but they also claim to have more effective procedures being used to refine the ingredients. Also I noticed on the site, that the picture of the house has a big “contains no Sibutramine” label on the front of the box.
Idk if there really was a secret ingredient that they took out but has added it back, as far as I can tell the ingredients have not changed.
Maybe they increased the amount per ingredient, idk because there are no gram or percentage amount listed.
I have no clue what is going on.
I have been taking ZXT for about two months on and off. I am not a fan of meds so I only take them M-F which also makes them last longer. I am now on my 2nd bottle and have lost about 23lbs. I no longer feel bloated or heavy I have gone from a size 16 to a 14 with plenty of room to spare. I do not have any real side effects other than thirst, I do not feel that I am never hungry but they definitely curve my appetite so much that I am hungry but can’t eat much. I still crave sweets, as a mom, student and I work full time I do not often spend time lounging and am usually on the go. I plan to add exercise and continue to watch what I consume to see how the weight loss goes. I see some people have been on these pills for almost a year and I do not anticipate doing that I really just wanted a jump start to get down to wear I am comfortable and able to get incorporate more exercise into my life without the heavy sluggish feel.
Hi Amanda, yes you are right. A few months ago senna and cassia appear to have been taken out of zxt.
Hi, I’ve been taking these pills and I was looking at my box as I was reading your article. My box has no cassia or senna as any of the ingredients and the vitamins listed are all B vitamins. Also under the warning label for who should take these pills differs from the one you have listed above. Is it possible that they eliminated cassia and senna completely from the pills?
Mrsd, I’m not saying anything of the sort. At the very least, adding laxatives to weight loss supplements is a cheap trick. At worst, its potentially dangerous.
I wrote my zxt reviews so people would know the real facts behind this supplement.
So are you saying that we would be better off simply buying over the counter laxatives?
Hey, Joe I was so upset about the pills but I think I had a bad batch. Plus i wasn’t taking in the correct water intake in which is important to lose the weight. I email a really nice
lady Queen Bee that’s taking these pills she offered to send me a bottle of hers. So i could see if they worked. She was the one that me to increase my water intake I’ll let you know what happens. thanks for you response
Finished all my pills. In the end, I lost a total of five pounds. Now I weigh a total of 150lbs! Not too bad over a course of one week haha! I don’t plan on buying these again though since I am better off changing my diet in a more nutritional way…. Good luck to all