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.
@Amy:
Please contact me at audreyh_21@yahoo.com
I have also found that the recent pills from Floyd nutrition dont work. I bought them from there last summer and those did work. I just got the ZXT gold samples. Has anyone tried those yet?
Mia, I’ve never heard that lack of a gallbladder hinders weight loss.
Any did you contact the actual zi xiu tang company or Floyd Nutrition? Many people have been saying that the zi xiu tang from Floyd Nutrition is not working.
I really am starting to think that this whole weight loss thing is a mind matter. I sent my sister some of the senna free zi xiu tang, that i thought didn’t work. However, she went from 221 to 206 in like 2 months! she also exercised and changed her eating. I am not sure if because the people that have experienced 5lbs a week weight loss on the old zi xiu tang pills, are not satisfied because you have to actually put some effort with the new pills.
But apparently it does work, even if it just mentally made my sister feel like it was doing something.
in my opinion, weight loss can be achieved with diet and exercise either way. Maybe we all need to step back and reevaluated.
now in my situation, someone mentioned why no weight loss supplement including prescribed ones has worked from me, is because I had my gallbladder removed. When i think about it, i was losing weight before then, now I cannot seem to lose weight at all.
even the old formula of zi xiu tang did not keep me in the bathroom like others. So maybe there is something going on there.
everyone including myself am looking for the quick fix, maybe the quickest and inexpensive way is diet and exercise, calories in vs calories out.
amy is your distributor is Floyd nutrition and their new product is what you are referring to, it does not work. i tried a sample, and it has done nothing but make me feel my heart was about to bust out of my chest
When I started taking Zi Xiu Tang in March 2010 I weighted 230 lbs, I’m 5’9″ and 46 years old (at the time), no previous medical conditions, no other meds. For the first 2 months I had constant loose bowel movements several times a day. This was uncomfortable but i wanted it to work, so I stayed with it.
In October of 2010 I passed a kidney stone and my son begged me to stop taking it, but I did not. having now lost 30 lbs and many inches, I was hooked. I ran out of it in March of 2011 and couldn’t afford to buy more.
In April, I started having abdominal pain in several areas and sometimes severe. The Doctor diagnosed two hernias. I can’t help but wonder if the pills had anything to do with the weakening of my stomach muscles, or if any intestinal damage has been done. Loved the results, wish I could keep going with them, but now I’m very afraid.
amy i want ur contact 🙂 plz my email is yaribpc@gmail.com
Amy, I know the lure of fast weight loss is appealing but this is not a company I trust – esp when they “imply” the product has certain ingredients but dont come out and say it. Still sounds like a crap shoot to me.
Have you read the comments by Heather about the health issues she has had? Even if she is one out of a million, her problems are very significant. If people want to contact the zixiutang company themselves thats fine. They are easy to find on the internet
Good news – I emailed the distributor that I have been getting the product from for the last year. They told me that they have a few boxes of the 2009 version left (which was pretty hardcore I gather) and they have recently developed a new ZXT like product that has the same high level of detox that the original ZXT formula had – and now doesn’t. I am assuming this new product contains senna, because while I asked about it specifically, they wouldn’t answer – but implied that it did. If anyone would like my contact I’d be happy to give it to you.
Yari, you need someone to tell you if it works? After reading the above? This is a *dangerous* supplement.
How about this? Eat less. Eat proper food, not junk. Exercise more.
There you go, you don’t need any supplement.
Thanks Joe but i think u confused me with Amy, i am not gaining weight though, i have lost 12 pounds in 3 months and 3 sizes in pants. So am happy for now, i have not gain any weight since i stopped it. BUT i do have some friends that are taking the new batch and i needed someone to tell me if it works?
Yari, While I have never had any proof, Ive always felt that zi xiu tang worked because it contained senna and other laxative ingredients as well as some undeclared ingredient, maybe sibutramine (miridia).
When I first head the zi xiu tang company was saying “no sibutramine”, I started to wonder why they choose to specifically mention sibutramine; Did it once have sibutramine I wondered? I don’t know. The product has changed. We know they removed the senna (which I applaud them for) but I think senna alone would not give some of the side effects people were reporting.
All that said, I understand your frustration but I do not feel any zi xiu tang distributor can guarantee that their product will work.
I understand your desperation and the good thing is that you recognize that you are gaining weight. The good news is that you are not powerless. You can take action to slow it down.
See what else -besides taking a pill- you can do to reduce your gaining weight. take a walk? eat smaller portion sizes? dont eat past 8PM? weight yourself every day to give feedback on your progress?
I don’t know what your doing but its just a suggestion if you have not considered it. I know its hard. I’m not going to say its not and I do not want to diminish the stress you are undoubtedly feeling over this. I do know that trying to take other steps will be healthier in the long run than taking zi xiu tang .
Hi ya’ll,
i had posted a while ago looking for anyone with long-term side effects. It turned out the ones I was experiencing were just from acid-reflux. It had nothing to do with the ZXT.
My real issue now is that I have been taking the pills for over a year, and just got the “new” batch, and they don’t work. period. Does anyone know where to get the original formula??? I’m desperate, and gaining back the weight…..
PLEASE HELP.
joe
Hi to all of you.. i have been reading some of your comments and to be honest i am confused. There is a new bottle that says “no sibutramine”, does this mean that the tablet works more or less than the other tablets? or does zi xiu tang work at all? can somebody give me the real answer. thanks
Some one please be honest about zi xiu tang
I just read Heather’s comments, and they look terribly frightening. I would suggest that anyone who is interested in taking the pills check with their doctor or a trusted medical expert first (a step we typically do not take, although we are constantly encouraged to do so)… I would like to point out that my mother-in-law took these pills for 90 days or so last summer/fall. She has several medically monitored conditions (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) and checked with her doctor first. He said it was ok to take them and that they would not effect her current medication or conditions!?! This winter, she had her bloodwork done, and EVERYTHING has improved. The pills helped her shed atleast 25 pounds of excess weight, they helped her become more active, and her cholesterol levels and blood pressure have stabilized.
I think it is true that for every “Jennifer” there is a “Heather”, so I just wanted to share that story, and encourage everyone to check with their doctor and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
Hi Joe
I have read both of your reviews about Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen, and I figured it was time to contribute to this ongoing discussion. I took the capsules about a year ago for a period of 10-12 weeks in order to lose 20 lbs.
They worked wonderfully, with some minor side effects. Most noticeable were dry mouth, dizziness, and restlessness. I had an occasional headache, but when I remained properly hydrated the side effects were minimal.
I recently decided to take the Bee Pollen again (in preparation for swimsuit season)… I was only looking to lose a few pounds to get myself motivated, and restart my more active summer lifestyle including healthy eating.
I noticed the indication on the label that Zi Xui Tang “Contains: No Sibutramine”, so I too decided to research this claim a little further. As one of your other posters had pointed out, many of the side effects of Sibutramine are similar, if not the same, as the side effects of the Bee Pollen capsules.
To be quite honest, I was several weeks into my bottle before I looked up the information… and what had really driven me was the fact that I noticed this new batch did not perform anything like the old batch I had taken.
The ingredients have definitely changed. However, I would like to point out that the capsules had amazing results on my allergies, sinuses, and my immunity… I had about a dozen left over from last year, so over the winter, when I felt I needed a boost, or felt a cold coming on, I would take them along with my multivitamin and Echinacea, and the combination worked wonders! (Much better than the vitamin and Echinacea alone)
I have also found my seasonal allergies to be much milder during the last 2 springs while taking the capsules, even though the pollen count has been extremely high in my region. Any explanation for that?
Julie, Did you also read that I take it in a 25mg dose as needed as sedative 2-3 times per week? …And I notice you are quick to jump on that without asking the time I have been using it nor have you asked if I have stopped taking to cause reactions? Julie…Read back further and you will notice that I started taking zxt as experiment.
I have every blood panel result over the 3 months I was on it…1 monthly. Being that I do have a heart lung issue …I also have before this, blood panel results every 3 months going back 2.5 years… Before you blame a medication that you do not seem to know much about….maybe you should have asked for more details.
Yes those are common side effects of someone taking 100mg dose or higher daily. That is NOT the case with me NOR ever was. Stop trying to say it is not zxt fault. it was traced back to the zxt as I TOOK IT TO SEE EFFECTS. I did not take it to lose 50 pounds. I did not use it to help a diet.
Distributors trying to cover their butts are the worst. your so concerned about your bottom line…but you should be more worried about the clients you sell to, as if they get ill from these pills…they will no longer be your clients.
Hello Heather,
I read your message in which you state that you take the anti depressant Doxepin. I am positive your doctor didn’t blame your current health conditions on this medicine. Instead, he blamed Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Capsules. Please read below what will happen if you stop taking this antidepressant.
Doxepin Withdrawal Symptoms May Include:
aggression, anxiety, balance issues , blurred vision, brain zaps, concentration impairment, constipation, crying spells, depersonalization, diarrhea, dizziness. electric shock sensations, fatigue, flatulence, flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, hostility, highly emotional, indigestion, irritability, impaired speech, insomnia, jumpy nerves, lack of coordination, lethargy, migraine headaches / increased headaches, nausea, nervousness, over-reacting to situations, paranoia, repetitive thoughts or songs, sensory & sleep disturbances, severe internal restlessness (akathasia), stomach cramps, tremors, tinnitus (ear ringing or buzzing), tingling sensations, troubling thoughts, visual hallucinations / illusions, vivid dreams, speech visual changes, worsened depression
Doxepin (Sinequan, Aponal, Adapin, Deptran, Sinquan, Silenor))
Sinequan (Doxepin) is a tricyclic antidepressant prescribed for depression and anxiety that exerts its influence on Serotonin and Norepinephrine.
It was synthesized by a German pharmaceutical and tested from 1963-1968 in various German and Swiss psychiatric institutions before being approved in Germany. Using Sinequan chronically during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn with agitation, impaired cardio-respiratory functions, disturbed urination and defecation. Sinequan is found in significant amounts in the milk of lactating women. Sinequan make cause withdrawal symptoms if treatment is abruptly discontinued. Tapering is recommended to minimize symptoms.
@Audrey my pre-existing is a 2nd degree av node block. A slow growth ground-glass lesion in right lung (7.5mm currently) with several 2-3mm size nodules also in right lung (cause is known- stay out of 3rd world countries if not necessary 🙂 ), treatment is monitoring with chem ct and thallium stress test every 3 months to watch growth rate and effect on my heart for the compensating). frequent migraines since childhood. seasonal asthma triggered by extreme heat / cold. My health stats before were 80/60 bp avg, 45-50 resting pulse, 98o2 level avg, all levels otherwise healthy. familial traits = diabetes / heart conditions though my a1c avg is 5.0 (mother, maternal g.m, aunts, female cousins, 1 uncle of 5) , hypoglycemia / uterine cancer (paternal g.m & great g.m).
2 zxt pills in morning only as directed by company.
no other medications besides Excedrin migraine as needed and doxepine 25mg as sedative to sleep at night (2-3 times a week), and rescue inhaler 2-3 times a year.
water intake was 3 cases of 16.9oz bottles per 7 days (i do shopping on Sunday and was only one drinking them in my household).
Health wise before this? my stats? 5’7 31 waist. …Joe has access to me away from this blog and can attest that I was by no means obese…this was taken as an experiment to see if it worked. along lines of a private study… now 28 waist and waiting to see how much damage was caused. Before this even though heart / lung issue sounds dramatic…it is not. with monitoring my heart rate and knowing my limits, I was on no med’s for my heart. no med’s beyond rescue inhaler (used avg 2-3 times a year) for my breathing, and I have always watched what I ate strictly as every female on my mothers side was insulin dependent by age 21 except me. prior to starting this…there were no medications except ones listed …for a 1 year time frame. My doctor was aware of my starting it and had taken full blood panel at start, and monthly as I was on it. Residual effects are causing issues. My levels were declining slowly…however, being off the pills has not halted the decline. I will know exact results on the 31st.
1st lab results before starting = my results read as textbook perfect…everything within ranges supposed to be..picture of health before taking zxt.
plasma =pt 12.6 (12-14.5) inr 1.0 (.9-1.1) ptt 29.2 (22.6-35.5) d-dimer 0.19 (0-.5)
urine=sp.grav 1.023 (1.002-1.030) PH 5.5 (4.8-7.5)
blood= wbc 7.3 (4.8-10.8) rbc 5.00 (4.2-5.4) hgb 14.1 (12-16) hct 41.8 (37-47) mcv 83.6 (81-99) mch 28.3 (27-31) mchc 33.8 (33-37) rdw 13.4 (11.5-14.5) plt 217 (130-400) mpv 9.2 (7.4 – 10.4) neut 55.9 (40-60) lymph 32.8 (28-42) mono 6.7 (0-8) eos 2.8 (0-5) baso 0.7 (0-1)
serum = glucose 89 (65-99) bun 19 (6-20) creat 0.8 (.5-1.2)
sodium 141, pot 4.5, chloide 108, co2 27
calcium 9.2 phospho 3.3, magnes 2.2, amylase 32
lipase 27, acetone neg, a1c 5.5
protein 7.1, albumin 4.1, t.bili 0.5, d.bili 0.1, alk phs 46
sgot 11, sgpt 16, cholest 180, triglyc 77, hdl 42
ldl-cal 138
cpk 51 bnp 25
thyroid group = ft4-pva 1.02, tsh-pva 1.490,
poc-mb <1.0 , poc-tr 0.05 (indicative of possible cardiac damage…already known about)
Oh so there’s a chance that it could possibly kill me?
@Heather: if you still come here I would like to ask what pre-existing illnesses or comorbidities did you have? familial risk factors of any kind? how often were you taking the pills (90 days but how many times a day ?) were u taking them with any other kinds of pills? what was your water intake and output while taking the pills? are you or anyone in your family a slow acetylator?
Joe, Heather said prolonged use, 3 months. I don’t really need them that long…I mean 30 days tops.