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.
Wanted to pass this along. more problems with Chinese supplements http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC256/24479/21291/1451597.html?d=dmtICNNews
Just wanted to say “Thanks” for the time and effort you freelyspend in creating these reviews! They have been very helpful to me and many others, Im sure!
I think I’ll save my money and leave Bee Pollen to the bees!
Thanks again!
what is the difference between zi xiu tang bee pollen and zi xiu tang bee pollen classic formula
Laura, for what its worth I think they are basically the same thing.
I have been searching for information on New Beginnings Bee Pollen. Do you have any studies on their product. I find it weird I can’t find much about them at all. You have investigated several other products that are similar… do you have any information about them?
C, I looked up new beginnings bee pollen for you and it looks like it has many – if not all -of the ingredients in zi xiu tang and various zxt weight loss pills. the big difference i saw was aloe, which is a laxative. for more on aloe see my comments in my review of colon flow
http://supplementclarity.com/colon-flow-review-ingredients-side-effects/
the newbeginningsbeepollen.com website makes several statements but dont back them up with proof. for example, they say this :
“New Beeginnings Bee Pollen works by increasing the core temperature of the body slightly to improve circulation and increase metabolism. ”
where is the proof that any bee pollen product does this? metabolism goes up a little when you eat anything (pizza too) but where is the proof bee pollen does it better – or helps us lose weight? I cant find any studies.
the website does not even tell us where New Beginnings Bee Pollen, LLC. is located. in fact, “Beginnings” is spelled wrong on their website.
I believe this product is just another attempting to capitalize on the myth that bee pollen helps people lose weight. If it works, i this its because its a laxative.
I hope some of that helps C
I have been taking this same product for about a month now & have seen no decrease in appetite or weight loss. I have noticed that I have been sleeping straight thru the nights now where as before I’d be up tossing & turning all night.
Now, I just went to the Urgent Care yesterday after having extreme headaches, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches for 3 days.
I am waiting for blood work to come back. The first thing I thought of was what if these pills are causing something. I researched & found this info & now it has be concerned. I will not be taking another dose!
4Aker, please let me know what happens with your blood work. i hope you are feeling better today
Hi,
I have used the classic product for 6 months until now and I lost only 20 lb in the first 2 months and after that nothing. I can see that in inches I’m smaller but the lb are the same.
I have experienced constipation and my hemorrhoids were so bad. I was taking the fiber gummies to regulate this but I know that this also happened to a friend of mine who also start taking these on my recommendation.
At some point I also had jittering in my hart, it was a weird feeling. My heart would beat very fast but after some 2-3 weeks it was ok.
I’m not sure what else to say for this product but since I have not lost anything after 2-3 months I’m going to stop the pills. And want to see if I’ll gain the lb back.
@ Cindi can you please give me the website or the person information from where you ordered the Zi Xiu Tang from.
I just ordered these bee pollen capsules and I’m willing to try anything to suppress my appetite, but I am worried about hurting my health in the process.
Has anyone heard of someone having a horrible reaction from these pills? I can handle diarrhea or dizziness, but I don’t want to be in the ER for some major heart malfunction. Please let me know what you all have heard.
Hi Wendy, if you read the comments at http://supplementclarity.com/zi-xin-tang-side-effects/ you can see what others have been saying
HI IT’S CINDA, I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU READ MY POST? I HAVE SINCE TAKEN A BREAK FROM THE PRODUCT KINDA HIT A PLATEAU, WHICH I KNOW HAPPENS. THE COMPANY SUGGESTS TAKE ONE CAPSULE DAILY FOR A WEEK AND THEN INCREASE BACK TO 2. I HAVE JUST ORDERED A NEW SUPPLY SO WE WILL SEE. I AM ONLY GOING TO DO IT FOR 2 MORE MONTHS. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS DROPPED CONSIDERABLY AND MEDS WERE LOWERED FROM 75MGS TO 25 , I WAS HAPPY WITH THAT. THANKS AGAIN
Hi Cinda, yes I did. Im very glad your BP is lower. Im guessing that your weight loss likely was what caused your blood pressure to go down but either way Im happy it has.
I am 44yrs. old, I was always very active, and exercised regularly. I lost my job in 2009, were I worked in a fitness club. I did gain some wt. back, but mainly all the tone and inches. Despite trying everything I was unable to lose wt. I read about ZI XIU TANG capsules. I took them to my Dr. she said to try them, I am on blood pressure meds.
It has been 3 months and I have went from 182 to 160, but the inches are the most noticeable. I have gone from a size 14/16 to 8/10. I haven’t had time to exercise much with my new job, but I move around a lot with my job. So I agree not all products work for everyone but I have had great success with this product and NOT ONE SIDE EFFECT.
The old formula worked! It peeled the weight off, no jitters, my sugar cravings were no more, and it was convenient (no taking 4-6 pills a day, etc) The new formulation (instituted when the FDA stepped in) doesn’t……..do……….anything. I did not have any bowel issues with the old formula. The new formula…you might as well eat drywall for all the ‘good’ it does.
I find your review a bit histrionic, but amusing. Reading it is like watching your nosy neighbor gossip about people over the back fence.
Srsly, I’m glad you found my review amusing and I hope somewhat helpful. I dont know if I am “histrionic” (over the top; I just try to write the best review I can given with what I know so people can make their own choice. At the risk of being diagnosed as histrionic, here is the something on it from Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histrionic_personality_disorder
I dont think this is me but as long as I helped you, I’m glad.
Hi, I have read many comments on here and have mixed emotions on this stuff as well. Back in January I started taking Ultimate Formula when my wife started it and was very skeptical until I lost 25 pounds in the first month. Immediately we got Distributorships and reordered more.
I did have some crazy effects during that month but I also did some major diet changes at the same time which I found out later I was not supposed to do. T
he second batch of Ultimate Formula we got has done absolutely nothing for either of us. No extra energy, no appetite suppression, no thermogenesis, no nothing.
In fact, I have gained back almost 15 pounds and have wondered and asked the higher ups why is this not working. They say its the same stuff as the first batch we had but I have yet to see results and they just shove me off when I contact them.
I have some of this batch left and what to do with it if it don’t work. I also tried to get Distributorship from Floyd’s but their customer care is pitiful.
Hunger is a powerful enemy and its very hard to beat the desire to eat if thats what you have been taught all your life as I was. I need the appetite suppression until I can get a grip on eating less.
Hey Laura ( i.e March 9, 2012 at 8:46 pm)
You mentioned you sold the Ultimate Formula. Do you happen to have a website where this version of Zi Xiu Tang can be purchased? Thanks!
Joe. There was a product I tried called Slim X by Anabolic Xtreme back in 2009..Hands down the best energy/app supp i ever had..in fact it was waaaay better than the old ECA stacks of yesteryear. I would literately sleep an hour or 2 a night go to work and feel fine. i lost 15 pounds in a month from it and i looked sick..went from 160 to 145..im 5’7.. i figured there was an illegal substance in it..members of the forum where i bought it from compared it to adderall.. i researched it for months after and i think the piperine and piratamate worked synergistically as a precursor to a long lasting stimulant..needless to say by 2010..it was discontinued, but nobody said why…have you heard of this Joe???
Lenny, Ive never heard of Slim X did you ever try calling Anabolic Xtreme and asking why it was discontinued? Did they give you any reason?
I’m convinced it has Sibutramine in it…I had just about every side effect.
Yeah so about the above comment, I’ve been awake for 29 straight hours. It’s 4:30 am.don’t take the ones by Floyd.
just bought the Zi Xiu Tang …the Floyd Distribution ones…they refer to it as ZXT and say it’s 100% authentic b/c they made their “own new authentic formula” so i guess they don’t claim to be the “original”. Has anyone take the Floyd Distributor ZXT and had good results?
2 girls in my office have been taking zi xiu tang for a month and have lost like 15+ pounds each but their bottles don’t say anything about Floyd Distribution like mine does. Both bottles look almost exactly the same though and the pills look the same. Just want to know if anyone has taken the ones i have (Floyd) with any good results. I’ve been taking it only 2 days and i have the dry mouth that I have heard my 2 friends at work talk about with their effective ones so I have no idea if mine is real or fake…or going to be effective i guess. Any idea?
i got mine at yourbeepollen.com. other than dry mouth and explosive bowel movements i have no severe side effects. i no longer have hard stool it is more like diharreha and it is swollen down there. has anyone else had this issue? i have lost 3 pants sizes and have been on the pill for a month and a half. i got the ultimate formula.
Hello everyone. I started taking the pills about 33 days ago. I work out on the treadmill and lift weights about 3 to four times a week. I started out at 6′ 1″ and 237lbs. I am 41 years old. After the first month supply I weighed myself and I weighed 227lbs. I bought another month supply of Zi Xiu Tang and two days into the second batch, I lost another 2 lbs. I am now 225lbs.
Yesterday, I had no appetite. I had to force myself to eat a half of an orange and drink some fat free milk. Then I have to force fee myself two chicken sausages. It is now 4/18/12 and I am at work and it is 10:13am and I have no appetite. These pills are amazing!
In August of 2010 I had a 2 bottles of Tri-Slim that someone gave me, I also had just ordered Zi xiu Tang. I weighed 203 lbs., I started taking the tri-slim which was working slightly, I then combined it with the Zi Xiu Tang, 2 Zi & 1 tri-slim in the morning and one Tri-slim before dinner.
By October 21st 2010 I weighed 154lbs. I tried each on their own but they seemed to work better together, I also started going to the gym and eating somewhat better. Once all the pills were gone I decided in February 2011 to just buy the Zi Xiu Tang, and took it for 2 months and did not loose any weight at all. I have recently gained back about 8 lbs and debating where I should go from here any suggestions? I was going to try the combination again but if the Zi Xiu Tang is no longer working Im not into wasting my money.
Im very careful about the tri-slim due to the fact it’s one of those free offers then they slam your credit card 30 days later. Normally for companies like this I buy prepaid Visa’s so they cant bill me later on. There is one guy on Amazon who sells it, but other than him I haven’t found a place to purchase it other than the tri-slim offer site which Im trying to avoid. Anyone else have anything working good for them? Also Sears was closing out and bought a Nordictrack Treadmill for $400.00 (saved 1100.00) so time to cancel the gym membership.