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.
I also tried the original and yes it worked … I only used it for a week because i had a sample pack, it worked so well i bought two bottles and yes the new formula did not work. Now the original is back and i tried it again it definitely works but why?
There is so much more in this we dont know, the racing heart, crazy amounts of energy, dry mouth and cramping and for me at least insomnia which is the reason I’m writing this now its 3:45 am and cant sleep i have not slept for a straight three hours in over a week….. its taking a toll on me I love the weight loss but what ever is doing this to me cant be good… There is something in this we dont know and until we do I have to stop taking this.
I have been taking this product since Thursday January 5th, At First I noticed because I drinking so much water, I was urinating every hour on the hour, but that has lessened although I have noticed that I am constantly leaking urine, having to wear pantyliners to protect my underwear. I have also noticed that i have had trouble sleeping, staying up later and even after going to sleep waking up alot. My bowel movements haven’t really changed that much as I am very regular already. I haven’t noticed weight loss yet, probably too soon to tell, and as for the loss of appetite its because your drinking so much water, and water is a filling product by itself, and I have changed my eating habits. So I am not completely sure I am gonna continue taking them after this month. I need my sleep lol.
I have used this product with no laxative side effects. The weight loss has been gradual and no negative effects. I am pleased with the results as my weight only kept climbing and showed no signs of stopping no matter how little i ate. I started the product and have lost about eight pounds so far. I find that i don’t have the cravings i had before, my appetite is suppressed…maybe it is all in my head but i am seeing positive results.
The hospital i work at is just buzzing with the results of this product, people are losing weight like crazy! I have only heard one comment about the laxative results. Many nurses nd other staff, men and women alike are taking this product with positive results; there must be something in the combination of drugs that is working for us all.
Perhaps at a later time i could have more to say about the product after being on it for a while, but at this point i have only positives to say.
i do know that the original formula for Zi Xiu Tang is back! Ive been taking it on and off for about 2 years now! I went through the highs and lows also but stayed very close with my distributor during. They did take out cassia and senna for a while and that is why it didn’t work!!!! However now it is back…. the original is back…. but when you order you need to make sure they are selling you that formula and not the old one or the extra strength…. these do not work!!!!!!!
I have been taking new formula along with several others and we are all losing like we did in the beginning! Yes some will get laxative effects… however if you do not fill yourself with junk… it doesn’t happen… all of the group i take it with say the same thing!
I think you have to remember if you are looking for anything to work like a gift from god without any effort on yourself you are senseless and any weight loss you do encounter will come back. You have to change your lifestyle… eat right, drink more water, and excessive!!! With that being said these Zi Xiu Tang pills can help you while you change your lifestyle… but are not to be taken for ever.
They have other great effects to though not just weight-loss. My hair grows fast and shines like never before, nails also. Skin looks awesome and i almost never get sick.
So i guess you should weigh all your options and decide what its worth to you… Ill look on this website often or you can email me if you have questions!
I’ve been taking this product an have not lost any weight. I don’t know why. I’ve been taking it for 6mos,I exercise everyday? So what am I doing wrong?
Alicia, I don’t think you are doing anything wrong. Do not beat yourself up! I believe Zi Xiu Tang that you have no longer has the “mystery ingredient” that caused it work work in the past. On my other site Ive writen about weight loss products and offered some tips that might help you http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/ check these out and see if any of them help.
I feel that the secret ingredient is effedra. I used to take effedra a while ago. when I took my first 2 this morning, I felt the same effects. so I think the unknown ingredient is EFFEDRA.. just my opinion
Johnny, you may be on to something. I just saw an FDA report where they sized 4000 pounds of ingredients for products that were found to contain ephedra. One of the ingredients was cassia, which is an ingredient in Zi Xiu Tang. It makes me wonder…
Here is the FDA announcement http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm282537.htm
I have been using the Zi-Xiu Tang capsules for about a year now. I started in August of 2010 and when I first started, I lost about 15 lbs in the first 3 months! After that, I have seem to hit a plateau. I exercise every day, but no weight loss and have been experiencing all the symptoms you mentioned. I recently ordered the 500 mg, double strength capsules thinking a stronger dose would work better, but it hasn’t done anything! Do the pills not work after a certain amount of time? Am I doing something wrong?
I only used a trial pack of ZXT pills to help me lose that last 10 pounds, and I never experienced the laxative effect. I did seem to get a fever for a few days, but it helped me lose weight because my appetite just went away. I’m not sure if it was actually the pills since I couldn’t find anything about the ingredients affecting hunger, so it may have been the placebo effect.
Wanted to pass this along to everybody. The FDA has recalled another weight loss supplement because it had sibutramine. Here’s the link.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm276048.htm
I have been taking ZXT Gold after the zi xiu tang pill formula was changed. I have been buying them from the manufacturer since may of this year. I went from 137 lbs to 120 lbs. I am an RN and a busy mom of 2 kids under age 6. My stomach has not been this flat since the beginning of high school! I have had no side effects except that I feel warmer than normal (thermogenic feeling). Working out has become something I am motivated to do now that there isn’t the extra “jiggle” making it more difficult.
I’ve been taking Slym Magic for about 2 weeks, the ingredients are supposedly all natural except for the caffeine. I lost 3lbs so far with no working out in the 1st week and then no more weight came off.. What I did notice is that my underwear was fitting me loose which means I def lost inches the 2nd week, but I never measured myself to know how many. I guess that’s good. Your suppose to workout at least 3 days a week while on it to lose the most weight, I just don’t have the time. It does help me to eat less and it enhances my mood. (I’m very moody and irritable, lol) So this helps a lot in that department. It def doesn’t make me jittery or keep me awake at night. I usually take it between 6:30am or if I wake up late, no later then 11am. I’ll keep you guys updated.
I met someone at an event who swore by these pills. I went to the website that stated the pills were originals, and purchased a 90 day supply for about $90. I have taken the pills for what amounts to almost a full 4 weeks. I can honestly say that I take 2 in the morning 1 hour before breakfast, and I have not lost one pound. I also have not experienced any side effects, but at the moment I am thinking I have wasted yet another significant amount of money in the hopes of losing weight. If anyone can give me a site that offers the ones that work, please let me know.
Additionally, I also tried the Oxy elite pro from GNC….no luck there either.
CLT, sorry you are out $90. I wonder if you can get a refund? Since you saw no change in weight and no side effects makes me think they took out the “active” ingredient – or maybe all batches of the product dont have the same ingredients (lack of quality control is a big issue with some of these products).
you are not the only person to tell me that Oxy Elite Pro doesn’t work. I bet GNC would at least give you a store credit if you took the bottle back to them.
i have read all these reviews and very sorry about the negativity. i to, took zi xiu tang, started in may of 2010, took until nov,2010. to my surprise i lost 46 lbs. at 64 this was heaven sent. did not have any side effects. had regular daily bowl movements. in the last yr, i gained back 16 of those lbs, so i ordered another bottle to jump start me. to my surprise i have not lost one lb. and i am more constipated than ever. what is that all about? i am soooo disappointed that these people are still taking our money with no results! i do some exercise , but am a very busy woman. try to eat right and still this stuff doesn’t work. any one have any good ideas!!!
This pill is not a laxative, how do I know this, I have been using it intermittently for the past year and even recommend it to my friends, not one day did I have such and effect, the only side effect is a dry mouth. No regular or abnormal bowel movements, it would be great if you go research this some more instead of writing up such reviews.. Try it before writing it up.. IT WORKS AND I NEVER GOT THAT SIDE EFFECT ..
Hi, I just got a message from a girl I have bought before when the formula was having problems and no longer worked. She states the original manufacturer in China agreed to go back to the old formula. The one with the Cassia & Senna, that worked. I wonder if it’s true or just a gimmick and if it will truely work. I have spent so much $ on this pill with no results. I also tried ZXT from manufacturer 2 weeks sample with no results. Also, tried a week sample of a pill she said was new Superior capsules which also didn’t work. So, has anyone heard anythng or know if this is true. Please, let me know if anyone has any info. Thanks.
I too have used the zxt gold and liked it a lot. I didnt get mine from the manufacture I found a girl in Florida from You Tube videos I watched. She told me zxt was made by fn and not the ppl in China that made Zi Xiu tang. I just got the infinity from her yesterday.
Has anyone used the infinity yet ?
I am currently taking ZXT Gold which is distributed by Floyds Nutrition. I know it is not Zi Xiu Tang. On the bottle it says each serving contains – Bee pollen, Chinese Yam, Wolfberry, Lotus Seed, Green Tea and Dietary Fiber. It does not list Senna or any of the other ingredients mentioned in the original Zi Ziu Tang.
I have the dry mouth and decreased appetite and increased energy. A little trouble sleeping but not bad. No stomach complaints at all and I have a terrible stomach. I have a hard time taking any pills and things like slim fast tear up my stomach.
So I guess I’m just wondering if this is a different supplement and possibly better for me. My cousin took it for several months and lost a lot of weight. She still takes one a day and says she has no problems. Your post that started in Feb. discussed ZXT gold briefly but I don’t see it in this string. wondering your thoughts.
Nicole, I have not looked at ZXT gold specifically but from what I see, I think its very similar to zi xiu tang. If the same company makes zxt gold as zi xiu tang, then Im suspicious. its not something I would take long term just to be safe. I’ll try to get more info on zxt god in the near future.
Does anybody else have any info on zxt gold?
Have you heard of Slym Magic? My friend said she lost 30lbs in 3 months and that it’s all natural ingredients. She goes to holistic doctors and doesn’t take over the counter medicine, so it made me want to try it out. I just ordered it and it won’t get here till next week.
Shelly Ill see if I can look into it. if it works for you let me know
I have to say a year ago I took the Bee Pollen and lost 30 pounds. I just purchased Ultimate Formula, has anyone taken these yet and what were your results?
This is my 3rd day taking these pills and im laying here at 4:06 in the morning WIDE AWAKE!! I will not be using these pills anymore. They did suppress my appetite and increase my energy, but I have a very active 3 year old so I need to sleep to be able to keep up with him!!