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.
Megan, the pills I had were green and white n had 3 Chinese symbols on them. I believe all of them do. Counterfeit or not.
I’ve been taking this product for a week n today been having heart palpitations and felt awful….first few days were awesome n lost 5 lbs but I had my suspicions anything with Chinese writing all over it I shouldn’t be putting in my mouth and body!!
I try to warn others but they have their blinders on. I hope my body fixes itself and I go back to normal. I hear when you stop, it’s very hard to have a bowel movement.
Amanda, if you dont feel any better take the product to your doctor and get checked out, just to be safe.
You got the counterfeit product!!!! The real Zi xiu tang bee pollen does not have Chinese writing all over it!!!!! I am a reseller of this amazing product and people love love love love our product! Not one person has had any ill side effects! It’s not only for weight loss! Myself included have come off FDA “approved” medications! Including lyrica, hydrocodone, and wellbutrin.
Megan, Recently the FDA issued a warning about a Chinese wt loss product called “Instant Slim” because they found it had sibutramine
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm368718.htm
I mention this because the Instant Slim website (instantslim.org) also talks about how to spot fake products similar to what I see going on with Zi Xiu Tang. So Instant Slim was found to have sibutramine, how much faith should people put in claims of other products which make similar claims?
I mean no disrespect and Im happy for what you say youve accomplished, but I’m coming to the conclusion that that talk of real vs fake/counterfeit products may hold little meaning other than just being really good marketing.
Joe,
Very well said. Any company can put a sticker on the back of their bottle to input numbers on a Chinese website claiming theirs is authentic. It’s all a scam to get customers to buy the product. Also, years back when the product was first introduced to the US from Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology the box was all in Chinese!! Throughout the years it has been modified changed to English and so forth…..another marketing technique to use in order to sell this harmful product.
Thanks Jen 🙂
Joe,
This product was also issued a warning on this product which if you look at the capsules they are exactly the same as the so called “authentic” zi xiu tang red Chinese writing and all……
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm370923.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Jen, Funny you should mention that as I was just looking at that at the Be Inspired FDA alert yesterday.
I live in a small rural community and recently facebook has been blowing up with people who have lost a lot of weight with these pills. There is a public forum that people are tagging local suppliers in. I have just contacted one supplier and asked questions about the safety recall. Her response was that the recall was for the “ultimate” and not the classic. That she gets hers from the only original supplier – .zixiutangbeepollen.com.
When you go to their site you see they get theirs from zi xui tang biotech company. Anyway, nothing really adds up except that I believe these suppliers truly believe what the distributor is telling them… that this drug is not tainted, it is the original and it was some other drug that was tainted.
How can people even doubt Jen so much? The FDA shows the recall on their site and gives the link to Jen’s old site. Why do people believe she would get on here and lie about where she got her product from? There is no question the product is tainted – the FDA said it was.
I have to admit I was kind of scared of these pills just hearing about them being manufactured in China. We have so many warnings given to us about buying ibuprofen or toothpaste from Dollar stores – that could contain ingredients not claimed on their labels because they are brought in from China.
My concern is this- many of these people that buying this are friends in the community. If you speak out against the local suppliers by addressing the issues – people will attack you just like they have attacked Jen on here. It is really scary and sad! I wish it was a miracle pill – definitely not worth your life!
JL, thanks for the update. I really did not know zi xiu tang was really getting that much attention on Facebook.
Jl–
What I don’t understand is if the fda was concerned with these pills… They would not be available. Come on now. Its the federal government. They would not be able to come through customs if that was the case. And the pulls were tested and said that if anything was found in them that a recall HAD to be issued. I am currently having several batches tested as we speak just to confirm what I believe. And yes, unlike Jen… Will post results here for this forum.
Reseller in pa, I wouldn’t expect you to understand completely since you still sell zi xiu tang. And I am assuming you have never recalled a product thus not fully understanding the process or laws.
The fact is the lots we had tested and that were tested by the FDA did contain sibutramine which is illegal in the US. FDA posting is all the “proof” that is needed.
The point is that sibutramine was added to zi xiu tang making it a tainted product. They knowingly added that ingredient did not list it on the box and sold it to customers.
The ingredient itself is illegal not zi xiu tang. I am glad you are having the product tested and hopefully you will do that with each lot before you sell it so your customers are protected.
cn-zixiutang.com/contact.asp
LOL, I believe there are problems with the address on the zixiutang website. For example, They show no picture of the zi xiu tang biotech company on their website and if you google the address, ” 11 Fuli Building, Pearl River New town, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China ” you’ll see that google asks if you mean “fuji” instead of “Fuli” Either way, when I look at google images for that address, I cant find a building that says it as the address listed on the product website.
I covered the address discrepancy in my review of Slim Trim U so take a look at that for more information.
jenn,
you say you have PROOF from the fda. why do you not provide that for all of us to see. what I am getting at here is still there is no proof out there. YOU initiated the recall NOT the fda. you just said that. if the fda wanted this off the market, they would find a way to do it. and just because a product is manufactured in china does not mean it will contain an illegal anything. just saying.
LOL, can you show me a picture of the zi xiu tang biotechnology limited, the company that makes zi xiu tang? I’ve never been able to find it.
hgmdu.net/corp-654693.html
this wasn’t too hard to find. google maps.
lol, I looked at the website. I didn’t see a picture of the zi xiu tang biotechnology company. I also googled the “39 Huangpu ave” address that was listed and looked at google images and didn’t see a building. also, the 39 huangpu address is different than the “fuli address” listed on zi xiu tang websites. The address also says “room 1501.” Does that mean that the biotechnology company is limited to a single room?
The page you referenced said the company is a “high-tech enterprise” -which is a vague description. In other words, they didn’t say it was “company.”
The page you listed also said that the company/enterprise can employ between 11-50 employees. So if I read that correct, the biotechnology company might employee as few as 11 people?
Believe me, I’m not trying to be disrespectful but rather I’m trying to determine if this company really physically exists as a “biotechnology company”, in the sense that most people would imagine what a biotechnology company would look like.
Can you find a picture of the company that has the name on the outside of the building?
I have no idea why people are arguing here over whether or not these pills are safe or not! It’s obvious that if they were safe and at the same time affective it would be the news of the century… Cure for obesity found ! Obviously subutramine was discovered years back as a cure for obesity but then taken back due to the fatal side affects.
The Chinese have found a way to put that into their so called diet pills illegally and hide it in them making people think they work by some other natural ingredient. It baffles me how dumb some of you are as to really think these pills are safe ! Not all of our bodies are the same so we all react differently. If you happen to be one of those who have not experienced any detriments to this product so be it but the bottom line is …..if it is working for you and you are losing an enormous amount of weight I am certain that it is because of the subutramine . You are taking a big risk and I wouldn’t advise you to give it to any one you care about because they may not be as lucky as you !!!!
I started taking this back in December 2010. My sister, who is always trying the latest new ” get skinny quick trick” have me a bottle on a visit to see the family. Keep in my mind either of us are really large women. At the time I weighed about 145 lbs. I’m 5’3 so I needed to drop some weight.
The pills made me very jittery but if I increased my water intake it would ease off to a tolerable point. My bowels were .. well .. explosive.. starting about 2-3 days after taking. I continued taking the pills consistently for over a year. I cut all carbonated drinks from my diet drinking only water, or vitamin enriched water. I did not exercise because I never had time. I have never been a big eater either. I chalk the weight gain up to age. I had turned 40 that year. I lost 10 pounds within the first few weeks.
By March of 2012 I was down to 115lbs and holding. NOW FOR THE KICKER …. like I had mentioned in the beginning I had felt jittery .. well it never goes away, it will ease up some but every day within 30 minutes it would start. I was driving 160 ounces or more of either vitamin water or just plain old water daily. . long story short I ended up ignoring my symptoms for so long I ended up in the ER with chest pains, got admitted.. found out my body was completely depleted of potassium and magnesium and I was in the early stages of kidney failure. AND FOR WHAT?? 10 VANITY POUNDS??
I know everyone is different but this stuff is dangerous. I am a nurse and I KNEW my body was telling me something was wrong. I knew better. Once your body is depleted of potassium and magnesium your heart starts doing some funky stuff !! Most of us women are always looking for a quick fix to lose those 10 vanity pounds .. I know I still am.. three years later .. almost 43 now and I’ve gained back to 132 can’t lose NOTHING!!
Truth is though I looked terrible at 110lbs. I eat healthy but honestly have very little time to exercise…… work, three kids, school, .. no time.. Any how I don’t advise anyone to take this!
I’m just saying, you don’t take it when people say it helps..you always have something negative to say, but never question it when people say it effected their health in a bad way. Seems like there is no real “proof” either way.
Confused, I think I understand now. Sometimes when people say “the product helped me lose weight, lowered my cholesterol” or something like that, I will sometimes point out that it was the weight loss that likely caused the other thing rather than the product itself. While it may have helped the weight loss, it was the weight loss (not the supplement) that was likely the reason for the other effects.
I guess, as I have read, FDA tested ONE person product and really did not provide much of where it came from only that it was that one supplier. I read that report and it left me wondering.
I noticed you did not address the fact that you want “proof” how it helps you lose weight or any other health benefit it has. People will tell you and then you will say “show me proof” but yet you take the word for it when people say it cause them some kind of health problem.
Short story..when looking at this product a while back I heard this one “local” lady had health problems with it (didn’t know her myself) and her skin was becoming blotchy. Said the doctor told her to stop taking the product right away. Weeks later come to find out it was from a tattoo she got. My point is…..when people say they have had health problems with it, why do you not “ask for proof” this product cause it? No you just take their word for it, but when people say they had good results with it, you ask for proof.
I have seen you talked with Julie on here that seems to be the distributor. Do you have “proof” her product has something in it that will cause health problems? Or are you just going on one report of one person from the FDA? IF you have really done your research, which by reading your blog here doesn’t seem like you have, you can see there are many different “zi xiu tang” products out there. You are taking ONE test from FDA and linking everyone to it. I’m not sure that’s really “evidence” that ALL zi xiu tang product is not good for you.
If I am wrong or have missed something, please let me know. Do you actually have any other “proof” of anything else, other then peoples word saying so and that FDA report? I would love to read about it.
Thanks
Confused, I am just not sure what you are asking.
When people tell me “zi xiu tang” did this or that, I’ll usually be happy for them. Sometimes distributors write and say this or that about the product and then Ill ask for the proof. Nobody has been able to show me any proof bee pollen helps people lose weight. Nobody can even show me a picture of the zi xiu tang biotec company in china?
As for accepting it when people ask tell me they had a problem, I dont think people would make something like that up. The only way for me to prove that what people are telling me would be to ask them for their medical records. Im sure you’ll agree that’s just not practical. How would you have them prove what they are saying is correct?
I understand it might be confusing. My company Zi Xiu Tang Success had testing done on zi xiu tang as well as having the FDA test it as well. We were direct resellers under Julie of http://www.zixiutangbeepollen.com/www.beepollendiet.com. I am not saying that zi xiu tang still contains sibutramine I refuse to sell a product that contains hidden ingredients.
You will make your own decision whether or not to take zi xiu tang or not. To me….it was not worth jeopardizing my health and the long term effects, as well as putting my customers in jeopardy as well. So…..you had mentioned Julie and her product. I can tell you the lots that were tested contained sibutramine and it came directly from her company…..not sure what proof you are looking for…I also contacted her after I spoke with the FDA and her response was why I didn’t contact her first! Wow! Way to support your product and resellers!
So….as for proof….you mean like deposit slips for purchase from her company each month? Or how about the product with her company name on the bottom of the box? Or how about emails from her? Or testing?
I guess I just wonder why the FDA hasn’t done anything to Julie’s company then?? If that was your source wouldn’t they go after her? I did send an email to her and she had said they have been tested 3 times by the FDA and never heard anything back that anything was in their product. Now not that you can believe that, but if there was wouldn’t they make an announcement of what they found from her product?? This is what is the most confusing……
My company was the one that initiated the recall. If you visit the FDA website you can see how the recall process works. I have proof of testing done as well as the FDA testing and recall info. Where is Julie’s proof? I will never do business with that type of company again. Hopefully, no one gets hurt by taking this product.
Jen, I actually contacted a seller of hers and they replied and said that the FDA did test their product, but if they find nothing there is no report sent saying it’s ok. I tried contacting the FDA but didn’t get anywhere with them.
I’m really confused on all this talk about FDA warning on Bee Pollen. Do they give the company that actually made the product? NOT the person that sells it. There are SO many of them anymore, so how can they test ONE persons product and then everyone bad mouth all the others. How do we know who’s product the FDA “tested”?
The picture of the product on the FDA website was NOT the picture of the box I have. It’s worked fine for me and a lot of others I know that take it. I know people that are off their med’s by taking this. I could go on and on but you get it. I just read where microwave popcorn can give you a lung condition, so why doesn’t the FDA ban that?
I have read a lot of the comments given by Joe. Everything that is said positive about the product he/you say where is the proof. It’s funny, I do not see you Joe giving proof of your facts. Just saying FDA tested ONE product is not proof for me. And if people are reading this they are seeing you won’t agree with anything without proof, but you take the say so of anyone that has something negative to say about the product with out proof.
As I see it, if the FDA banded all the stuff that someone had an issue with we would not have grocery stores….I think most stuff in the stores are way more dangerous then Bee Pollen is!
I have a question for you Joe, is there anything else you don’t like or is it just Bee Pollen? Not trying to be mean, just wondering.
Confused, I am only as good as the information provided to me and both the FDA and Canadian health authorities have found issues with zi xiu tang supplements. I did link to these in my reviews so I just did not say it. I am still waiting on follow ups on this and will update my reviews when I learn more.
illegal drugs or not, a fact that cannot be denied is that there is no published peer reviewed human evidence that bee pollen helps people lose weight. If zi xiu tang helps weight loss it is because it is a laxative and that is all. Bee pollen is not a laxative as far as I can tell. So the hype about bee pollen -itself – is not based in good evidence.
when you say “is there anything you dont like” Im not sure what you mean? My goal is not to say “like or dont like” when I review but rather to say “here is the evidence/lack of evidence” and “here is what I think it happening” so you can make a more informed decision.
Sounds to me like a lot of haters because the product works.. HHMMMMMm
Jealous, Im not a hater. I just cant find any proof that zi xiu tang works, besides being a laxative. I cant see how it works aside from its laxative effects. The findings of the FDA and Canadian health authorities about illegal wt loss drugs in batches of the product may shed light on another way some batches work.
2 weeks in to taking Zi Xiu Tang I started feeling out of it, tired, shaky, pulse racing, irregular heart beat, and my hands and feet were always ice cold. I felt drugged. I lost 5 lbs, but felt terrible. I know so many people taking these and none of them have any side effects like I had. I checked the code on mine and it says they’re counterfeit! The label says they’re from FloydNutrition. Isotopes taking them as the side effects seemed to get worse each day, and slowly everything has returned to normal and I feel like myself again. It was so scary and I feel ridiculous for putting my health in jeopardy just to lose a few lbs. I will never do that again!!!
Have been on them for a while, experiencing some of the negative side effects, one I don’t see is hair loss, is anyone experiencing and if not, us there anything in them that would cause this
Soo glad I found this site! My sister in law started taking these a few weeks ago and said she had lost 10 lbs in a week! I had seen these pills advertised at the gym I go to but never really knew anything about them until she said she had tried it. I decided to do some research before purchasing these myself.
I can’t believe my gym would sell a product that is banned by the FDA. What’s even more unbelievable is that when you are at the gym your heart rate obviously increases, making this an even more dangerous product to use while exercising. I’m definitely going to approach them tomorrow about this. Thanks for the info!!
Erica, what gym do you go to? Is it Retro Fitness? Ive heard they have sold zi xiu tang. Just curious if others are selling it to. Please let me know what they say when you approach them about this.
Are you really that naive? Coffee increases heart rate for crying out loud! If these pills were banned by the fda we sure in hell wouldn’t be able to get them. Come on now people, widen up!
Kassie, if its helping you I am glad but with all respect, you don’t understand the FDA supplement law.
Please, enlighten me.
I agree with Kassie. However, I hate the FDA, the government in general. They are a bunch of liars. The things you better watch out for are the pills they approve. For exaample, the vaccinations, immunizations, Lymes Disease FAKE tests..seriously??
Just so you know maybe you should do some research on bee pollen before you write stupid reviews! Actually bee pollen contains more protein than beef, is an excellent source of all you b complex vitamins in which will obviously boost your metabolism!
And the FDA warning was from the counterfeit product in 2008-2010 so do your research first! And people are coming off of high blood pressure medicine, anti depressants, and this product is helping ms patients as well!
And yes I am a reseller and I am a nurse! I would never sell something that I knew could possibly harm anyone!!
Megan, While I cant speak about bee pollen having more protein than beef (please provide a reference for this), I’d bet its a more expensive protein source. Also most people are not lacking in most B vitamins.
As a nurse you know that ANY food you eat will raise metabolism a little bit. As a nurse, you also know that the thermic effect of food accounts for very little (maybe 5%-10%) of daily calorie use.
As a nurse please provide the biological mechanism by which zi xiu tang works? If you can show me a study on this also, I will add it to my review.
and yet there are no reports surfaced whether this is true or untrue. no reports in either direction. im sorry if I don’t take your “word” for it jen. but you guys were the ones who voluntary recalled the product. not the fda.
if you had testing done by your lab before distribution and after the lab reports showed sibutramine why wouldn’t you be able to show those results? and seeing that youre “not allowed” to surface them then why wouldn’t the fda do their own testing on the product and make those lab reports public knowledge like they did immediately from your “word” of sibutramine in the product?
if anything is fishy here, I think its the fact that people are taking your word with no physical documentation.
Here is a thought…..don’t take my word for it and don’t worry about testing that I personally had done. Before the FDA can post any info whether it is a voluntary recall or not, they must prove it is unsafe as well. That is why they tested the product in their FDA lab. Hence the reason the warning said FDA lab tests conclude…..do your research before questioning me and read the warning! No one has yet to answer any of my questions that I have posted. The fda has proved it’s unsafe, no where is proof it is safe?? What ingredients listed on the box cause weight loss??
Had to share.. I recently heard that many zi xiu tang resellers are on “back order” I find this very interesting, in 2010, when sibutramine was taken off the market this same thing happened. Then when they began to get product again, they claimed to remove the senna and contains no sibutramine was written on the box. Then later that year they claimed to put senna back in renaming it classic zi xiu tang. Interested in seeing what is to happen next…
Julie, who claims to be the only authorized distributor, says no complaints have been filed with the FDA in regards to Zi Xiu Tang pills and that they are working with the FDA to have the allegations removed. She claims that Zi Xiu Tang is being confused with the Ultimate Formula Bee Pollen. She also said the Zi Xiu Tang pills were tested a year and a half ago and no sibutramine was found in them.
She said she is going to get the Zi Xiu Tang pills tested again voluntarily. I have yet to hear back and this was 3 months ago. Does it take that long to get pills tested by the FDA? I agree that things seem VERY fishy. I know I won’t be taking anymore of these pills until I get official confirmation.
It’s definitely fishy. I wouldn’t count on hearing any results from Julie. FDA confirmed by their lab results the presence of sibutramine in Classic Zi Xiu Tang. You are very smart not to take it.
I was meaning to ask jenn?
I’d love for “Julie” who is the only authorized distributor in the US to provide me a phone number where I can reach her to discuss her self proclaimed legit product. She is a troll who cannot provide any credentials it actually makes me laugh.
Get me on the phone with the “only authorized distributor” for five minutes and ill give you the straight up real deal. For an exclusive dealer (and FYI as a person who works for a company who imports from places such as china – there is no such thing as exclusivity) and directly deals with customs and border protection/US customs, ill tell you right now if the FDA flagged this product as harmful, there is NO way the original formula is passing a US customs exam at the port. No way in hell. CBP is cracking down and the Chinese exporter has most likely raised a red flag, meaning their containers are scrutinized to beat the band.
So please, Exclusive US Distributor, provide me your contact into (phone and address) so I can grill and get the answers people have been wanting. As a CTPAT importer, There’s no way customs is letting this crap into the country in my opinion based on experience.
Looking forward to hearing from you “Julie”.
Hello Experienced Importer,
I was a previous distributor of Julie until we reported the product to the FDA after testing revealed the presence of sibutramine. She claims to have “exclusive rights” from Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology, Co LTD. That Chinese manufacturer claims this as well.
I have heard a few customers state that their product is not working properly so I am wondering if they have removed that ingredient for now and add it again later? Or if they are only adding it in certain shipments?
Anyway, here is the contact numbers that were given to me when we were doing business with her: 800 834 9231 or 571 338-0009. Good luck. You will probably have a hard time getting a hold of them. When we reported Zi Xiu tang they called us and wanted to know why we didn’t contact them before going to the FDA! Wow!! Keep us posted.
Hi. Can you produce the test results showing what was found? I have requested the documents thru the Freedom of Information act and was told it was incomplete and not available at this time.
I have no idea why they would say that.
Hi,
I am not quite understanding the issue here. I would never falsify any information especially when it comes to the health and well being of others. I did sign a confidentiality agreement with the lab that I had used. If you would like me to recommend a lab to you where you could have product tested I will be more than happy to recommend one for you, just leave your email and I will send it to you.
Also, the FDA ALSO tested the product they would never be able to act on one company filing a compliant requesting a recall. So… If you want real proof I would recommend contacting them or having it tested yourself. It probably isn’t posted in the freedom of information act due to the case not being closed yet…..
Oh, and what lab did you have test the product?
Again you will have to ask the FDA about what lab they used.
I thought the same exact thing. I also discovered that they actually Trademarked “Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Capsule”. Shouldn’t the company in China have this taken care of already? I translated the box. No where on the box does it say “Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Capsule” in Chinese. It actually says “Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule”.
Go to Google Translate and look for yourself. Nothing adds up on the research I have conducted. I’m fully convinced that they are scheming everyone that is buying into their Authenticity and Not “Counterfeit” claims. These are the people the FDA needs to come down on.
Great detective work!
I have been taking zi xiu tang bee pollen for a year and a half, and for the first time in my life am able to control my weight! I lost 50 lbs. pretty slowly over a 7 month period and then 6 more during the next two months and have maintained that ever since. I have not had one problem with this product. As a matter of fact after 6 months of being on them my doctor was able to take me off of my blood pressure medicine and my blood sugar levels dropped to a normal range where they had been elevated. So, for me, this product is helping save my life!
I am no fool, and I realize zi xiu tang may not have the same effect on some one else. BUT, what I want to know is….. if this product is working for me and others, why shouldn’t we continue taking it? People need to be smart about starting any medicine, I don’t care what it is! If you get a reaction and start feeling really weird…. STOP TAKING IT! It’s that simple!
I absolutely love peanut butter, and there are many people who love peanut butter. If my nephew takes even one bite of peanut butter he would die within one hour if not injected with an epipen. Should peanut butter be banned in the United States because there are thousands of people who are so allergic to it that they would die!?
Carolyn, I agree people should be smart when it comes to supplements as well as supplements. So I have to ask how smart you feel it is to use zi xiu tang when the FDA has put out warning letters nothing that this product has been found to contain an illegal weight loss drug http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm325537.htm
Its not sold because sibutramine is linked to elevated blood pressure. When you say if you have symptoms, “stop taking it”, but what if that symptom is a stroke? elevated blood pressure is painless and these things often don’t have warning signs.
People sometimes say “well that was only one product” but all distributors get zi xiu tang from the same company. So how are they different?
Carolyn, Im REALLY happy you are having no side effects (that your aware of) and have lost the weight you want. I just want you to be safe and that’s why I say this.