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.
Jeanette, some side effects are painless and others take time to crop up. You have only been taking it for six days and I am glad you feel fine right now but that may not be enough time to notice side effects. Hopefully none happen.
I respectively disagree what your statement “everyone should know to be checked out before any new product is introduced to the body” Supplements are marketed as “safe and natural”. Many people think they have no side effects.
Question. How many people on this list got checked out by their doctor before taking zi xiu tang?
Jeannette did you get checked out by your doctor before taking zi xiu tang?
I’m glad you are losing some weight and I hope you keep it off -and are free from side effects -after you run out of zi xiu tang. While I do believe in freedom of choice, I’ve removed your email from your post out of respect for your privacy and because I want to minimize zi xiu tang distributors from getting access to people to sell a product that I feel is neither safe or universally effective.
I started taking the ZXT product and can say that it worked for me. I use to take Zi Xiu Tang and got the March 2011 bottle because I was told they fixed the issues that people were complaining about. Well after using Zi Xiu Tang for weeks I saw no change. I actually gained 3 pounds. The girl I got my caps from seemed to know her stuff so I said I would give it a try.
She actually told me why she stopped using zi xiu tang and sounded just like me and my situation. I have been on them for 6 days and have lost 4 lbs and feel ok. I have no complaints. I really feel sorry for those that I read about with the health issues but if I am not mistaken everyone should know to be checked out before any new product is introduced to the body. I dont go by other peoples testimonies in regards to health issues because every one is different and somethings people over exaggerate not saying any one here does that but that’s just my opinion.
Hi, everyone. I’m looking for some answers to find out if this product is even worth it. I’ve tried many methods and it just seems like a scam. First, I got a Jan 2011 box from distributor that didn’t work. So, she stated that there was something going on where they removed Cassia & Senna & weren’t working correctly.
So, she stated Feb 2011 batch worked better even though they still didn’t have those ingredients. I took them and gained 3 lbs. If was frustrated and knew from all the comments & complaints that they were going thru some issues.
Did some research & found out ZXT thru Floyd nutrition changed manufacturer & had old product back. I bought 2 samples 12 days reg box 500 mg. It has a detoxifier and I have been going to bathroom like 2-3 a day, drinking lots of water but today is my 7th day and no weight loss.
They don’t work. Does anyone have same problems, can give me any suggestions? Are the Chinese box ones original, because I know some people taking those that have lost significant weight. Please let me know. Thanks.
@Angela, you say “I think I should just think of another product to help me lose weight”.
Don’t you get it yet? These products are not the answer. To lose weight, you need to eat less, eat better, and exercise more.
That’s it. There is nothing more to it than that.
Unfortunately I think they ran out because they havent been getting back to me…
@Mia Thanks…liver and kidneys were affected slightly…could have been a lot worse….at my stat’s (height / weight) I probably shouldn’t have tested it to begin with…was just concerned over my friends talking about eating everything but not needing to exercise…too good to be true i guess. ( I tend to guinea pig myself when I want to understand how something works).
From reading my results more in depth, it does seem to lower all the numbers…but…if you are low on things to start, it can be dangerous. Its why everyone should be getting the full blood panel before trying any new medicine / supplement. Unfortunately, most want quick results and do not want to worry about the long-term effect of it.
Joe and I are both now researching what could be in this that caused the failure for absorbing of nutrients. It is obvious that there is something in this that has not been disclosed, but for the life of me, I can not figure out what herb / mineral would do this…still checking pro-med and other sources though, and
I have a few calls out to some homeopathic and Asian herbalists hoping they might be able to point me in right direction. If this is something easily fixed…then great. if not? then it is a major issue as if a body stops absorbing nutrients, it starts feeding on itself.
Mia, i agree…this marketing thing is getting sickening…I wouldn’t be surprised if the “contact” isn’t the person themselves and a distributor preying on a research blogs followers is kind of low, IMO. I commend Joe for posting everyone’s comments and not editing us…but those taking advantage of his fairness shouldn’t be able to.
Anyway…if I learn of a countermeasure to the villi issue that then would make this safer, I will post it…until then, I am going back to my studies and playing with makeup in my free time. Take care everyone and be safe, or try to…
Wow is all I can say at the moment. Does anyone know anything about the zi xiu tang pollen capsules that are written in all Chinese on the box? I was told that it was the original formula but I am not sure of anything any more. I think I should just think of another product to help me lose weight
thanks for the update heather. I see that the new and improved zi xiu tang is out and its 500 mg each pill. I am no longer interested in this. It just seems all to suspect. I also noticed the marketing going on in here. Its a shame since people need a place to see the negative side effects such as yours.
anyway, i am glad you are doing better.
Hi Amy,
can i get your contact?…thanks
Hi everyone. got my test results back. this is what is boils down to…
there are hairs within the intestinal track…these hairs have even smaller hairs. the hairs are essential as they absorb the nutrients in the foods you eat. zxt seems to have this effect: it removes the smaller hairs and makes so you’re not absorbing the nutrients.
it is also evident by the voiding 30-60 minutes after eating anything with refined sugars / greasy foods while taking it. it also has effect of boosting the metabolism and thyroid. that may seem like a good thing, but if your not taking any other supplements (daily, iron, calcium, etc…) your not getting what your body needs and will lose not just the fat but the muscle as well and result is muscle loss / fatigue / etc once your body burns off all that is not necessary.
my doc is running a duplicate battery of tests in 6 weeks. i stopped taking the pills months ago…i have lost another 12 pounds (give or take a few ounces) without exercise / diet / etc…which raises a concern of…if the boost to metabolism and thyroid occurred along with the striping of villi (hairs), can the hairs repair themselves in ALL cases so that once a person hit desired weight…they can stop taking pills without lasting damage. and what effects in long run to metabolism / thyroid will be seen?
those distributors who question this? I have the test results that back what i am saying as well as there is not 1 peer-reviewed clinical study on zxt. which means my doc tested me for every condition / disease she could think of including HIV, lyme disease, and malaria. (basically anything that affects the vital organ groups).
I have a 9 page packet of lab results in front of me with marked declines in everything. yes my cholest was lowered…BUT my good cholest was lowered as well. so was my folic acid levels, my calcium, my potassium, magnesium, etc…everything is on low side of range or lower then the acceptable low range.
for those looking to shed just a few pounds? its not worth it. for those looking to shed 50? talk to your doctor. do not take what me or others here (some of whom are distributors only looking at your wallet) say…call your doctor and ask them to run a full blood panel and monitor you throughout your taking of it. why take senseless chances with your health because a distributor claims it is safe, the distributor will not be the one to pick up your healthcare costs if you get sick from zxt. be smart about it.
To Amy…
Can you please send me your contact to farrah128@hotmail.com?
Thanks!!!!
I was glad to read all the comments. Like others have posted, I too received the bottles with the label “no sibutramine. When was taking the original batch, I noticed I was feeling the cleanse affect within 2-3 days. I saw weight loss and increased energy levels within 1-2 weeks. I have been taking this batch for over a week now with nothing.
I was concerned that it may be counterfeit. But going on the website, I wasn’t able to read the confirmation in Chinese I translated the webpage, but couldn’t translate the pop-up window. Is it possible to still get the original batch?
Cindy, thanks for the follow up and I am really glad you are making progress and feeling better 🙂
Hi Everyone,
I posted a comment on April 21st this is my follow up comment as promised. I stopped taking zi xiu tang after only 2 weeks. Initially I didn’t have much to report other than a bit of constipation as I continued taking zi xiu tang I started to suffer from constant headaches that would just not go away even with meds but the kicker for me was the feeling of being in a ‘fog’ maybe even a depression.
I just felt terrible…and to top it all off not one single ounce lost. I’m sorry the possible benefits didn’t outweigh side effects I was having. I definitely took Joe’s advice and stopped taking zi xiu tang, almost immediately my energy returned and the headaches went away.
For the record since stopping zi xiu tang I started to become more active, eat a little better and I have now currently lost 6 lbs in 4 weeks I know that’s not a lot but I definitely have peace of mind. Thanks everyone for your comments, good luck with your weight loss however way you choose to lose.
My doctor said zi xiu tang was most likely the cause seeing that it’s the only supplement I’ve taken, and there’s nothing else that could possibly have caused it this fast, but she can’t really be sure because not all the ingredients are listed. But seeing as i don’t or have ever had any medical issues till after i started taking them seems pretty connected.
Kayla, did your doctor say zi xiu tang caused your liver and kidney damage?. Heather has also reported some liver issues (see my other zixiutang post for her comments). I hope you will be ok!!
WOOO! 40 pounds down…….I look great except for the anemia caused by liver and kidney damage, seriously people stay away from these pills weight loss is not as important as being healthy.
Megan, I just replied to Nina – at my other zi xiu tang post – who also gained weight while taking zi xiu tang. As I said to Nina, I think its based on the fact that you cant guarantee that two bottles of zi xiu tang have the same ingredients. I don’t know whats in zi xiu tang or what they took out of it, but as you probably know, I have my suspicions.
Good Morning All,
I sent a comment in around April after I received my second batch (90); and found they do not have the wording “no sibutrimine” and found they do not work as the original I purchased in January.
Started taking them again (May) to get rid of the pills, and they are still not working as before (and the packaging is the same).
The distributor in Va assured me they were the original. However, when you put in the code it says notify “Mr Tam” (really don’t know what that is all about). I will continue to take them until they are gone, with the help of watching what I eat, and some exercise. Which is the best I can do. Amy please send email about your distributor: wmpoe48@yahoo.com…Thanks.
Okay… well.. I have been taking the bee pollen now for two weeks and I have actually gained 2.6lbs! How wonderful. Those of you who have lost weight so quickly.. I envy you! Someone explain THAT to me please!!