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.
Hi,
My bottle does not contain Senna and does list all the vitamins individually. Also, it says “supports active lifestyle” so I don’t think they suggest NOT exercising. The warning is also written grammatically correct, not in broken English as yours is. I think the bottle you reviewed and show is counterfeit.
Also, I do agree there is not a lot of scientific data to support this product, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is dangerous or does not work. Let’s consider how clinical trials are conducted. First animal testing(sometimes, which I hate-I do not share biological similarities with rodents, so why torture them?), then human studies. My brother is in a study right now for a new medication to treat psoriasis. So basically we are the trial study. Unfortunately that is the risk we all take, even with meds that have scientific support.
People die every day from bad reactions to “FDA approved safe medications” for unknown reasons because every single person has a different chemical and biological makeup. One slight difference between you and another taking the same product could result in serious complications for only one of you, while for the other, is very beneficial.
Lastly, I do not trust this country’s government to tell me what is safe and what is not. They are easily paid off. “FDA approved” means nothing to me.
Can anyone tell me why cigarettes are legal when there are more deaths and illnesses related to cigarettes than all medications in history combined? I won’t get started on meat and food additives; this post will be endless…
Regards,
Dana
many of the websites you can purchase the ZXT from have an option to buy in bulk..its probably cheaper for them to buy from a distributor and then they increase the price a little and start a sort of small business of their own selling it. so not buying from one of those places you mentioned doesn’t automatically mean its a fraud.
I understand Joe, that is very true. I dont understand why this information is not more available to us. I really hope there isn’t a secret ingredient. Regardless whether or not I lose weight, if I can conclusively determine that bee pollen promotes energy, and other benefits; I would use the product as a daily supplement. But like you stated, there is no concrete proof of the claims.
as far as distributor, the only legit vendors that list the actual manufacture are Floyd nutrition, ninadetoxpills, loseitfast.com, and zixiutangbeepollen.com. There are probably more but I dont know. I do know authentic Zi Xiu Tang will have a code, and are green and white with red lettering. If you do not have the lettering, you have fakes.
Hi Mia, I appreciate your comments, I just can’t find any proof that bee pollen causes weight loss. When I reviewed zi xiu tang I tried to find proof for each ingredient and I just could not find any published study that bee pollen had any effect on weight loss. I remember in the 70s some were saying that bee pollen was the fountain of youth – again no proof of this either. It is because of the lack of weight loss proof for the ingredients in zi xiu tang that makes me so suspicious that there may be something not listed on the label.
Terri, I honestly would not worry about Floyd Nutrition. I find it very hard to believe that only one or two companies would be exclusive distributors. I likewise didn’t see Floyd Nutrition mentioned when I reviewed Zi Xiu Tang.
I cant get an answer in English when I check to see if what I have is counterfeit and I don’t see Floyd as a distributer mine comes from Centreville, VA 20121… Help have I been had!!!!????
I think part of the way the supplement helps you to lose weight is by reducing your appetite. eat less=less calories=less fat. for a while i would have to force myself to eat because just looking at food made my stomach turn. my weight loss has slowed since the Senna was taken out this is true but i haven’t gained a single pound back. as far as immune system im not sure. i don’t get sick often and i haven’t gotten sick while on the pill. if anything you could assume it would help because of the rave reviews of the “bee pollen” ingredient…but that’s assuming its all true
from what i have read, since i am part of different forums where users are using zxt. People are losing weight on the ones with senna, the weight loss may not be a big though. Idenstiny, i know its important to drink plenty of water.
Joe, im not sure where to find medical studies. I only found this information when searching zxt and each individual ingredient.
as far as weight loss, i assumed that bee pollen can contribute all by itself
i wouldnt say zxt is a magic pill that makes you lose weight, but if it can contribute to making you thirsty, hense drink more water, energizes you (b vitamins) which can lead you to move around more, and suppress your appetite, which would result in you consuming less calories; then you should lose weight. There had been times where I didnt take advantage of these things ,and did not lose weight.
I think we should be provide medical testing results of all medications we take. I tend to look at acutal affects on real people, because for example; I recently had the mirena iud. Every doctor swears by it, claims that its the next best thing in birth control history. But when i research others experience, there are common side effects that hundreds of people are experiencing. yet if you tell your dr, they will refuse to listen. just like when i was prescribed phentermine, an fda approved weight loss supplement. The side effects were horrible and I cannot understand how that med can be approved. All i can say, is people should talk to their doctors, do their own research, and if they can afford it have their meds tested.
Cindy,
zi xiu tang as far as I know has not been tested for its effects on the immune system so I am not sure if its playing a role or not.
Senna and other laxative compounds were added to zi xiu tang probably so that people experienced a quick wight loss but as I just said to Indestiny, above, laxatives only cause fluid loss and not fat loss.
Since I can’t figure out what might foster weight loss other than Senna etc. I personally wonder if there is something in zi xiu tang that is not listed on the label. My hope is that somebody at 20/20, Dateline NBC, 60 minutes etc. investigates zi xiu tang and tests it to see if it really contains all that is on the label.
Do you think zi xiu tang brings down your immune system? I have a horrible cold and have not gotten this sick in years. Just curious what you all think.
Also, the zi xiu tang that I have doesn’t have senna in it. Do you think this product will do anything without it?
Idestiny, people have told me that zi xiu tang is now being made without senna (a laxitive) and that may explain why your weight loss has been less than others. Remember trips to the bathroom only reduce fluid (and fecal matter) and not fat. Don’t worry about quick weight loss. Quick weight loss never works in the long run.
I’ve been taking this product for almost two months and lost 10lbs. I’ve experienced most of the symptoms everyone is posting however, I do not use the bathroom often. Could this be why I am not having a dramatic weight loss like everyone else? Let me add I am active, taking 60 minute dance classes 3 days a week. Can someone tell me if there’s something else I should be doing.
Have any of you noticed unusual changes in any part of you body after taking Zi Xiu Tang? I’ve been drinking ZXT for almost a month now (lost 9 pounds) but this morning I noticed that my right thigh is thinner than my left one. It looks like a dent (the outer part of my thigh). It is quite noticeable and I’m very concerned. I DID not have this prior ZXT and I would like to know if anyone have experienced something similar?
Also, I don’t ever skip days. The only day i did not take my pill was after my birthday because i was hung over..haha. I know your body needs to adjust to things but it wouldn’t be wise to take a break from a RX med so for me its not worth skipping a day. A lot of people take this pill one a day just for the benefits it provides outside the weight loss. the smaller appetite and the vitamins from the bee pollen ingredient. Without the Cassia and Senna i did notice i went to the bathroom less often and it was…different..But this is my second bottle without it and everything normal 😉
Yes I lost my 60lbs on ZXT and I work out at least 20 minutes a day. I had to cut back because of my blood pressure..until it gets under wraps. I am still taking 1 pill a day have lost 3 lbs this week (adding in thanksgiving) and i am still not hungry and i have energy! Because of the pill i stopped craving a lot of the things i was eating before..iced coffee,chocolate,snacks,my kids leftovers.I always overate. Every morning when i woke up it wasn’t time to start the day it was “what can I eat now?!” Now when i go to eat it’s more because I have to rather than I WANT too…and i don’t eat for no reason. i am an emotional eater but i find now i don’t have that problem.I drink an insane amount of water. not crystal lite or diet sodas or anything..Once in a great while I will have some sprite but nothing “diet” those artificial sweeteners are like poison (my opinion) floating around your bloodstream. Anything the DR tells me my kids shouldn’t have i wont eat either.I find its a lot easier to keep track if i have a support system so I have about 12 friends on the ZXT and we all keep in touch with updates and discussion boards together thru our FaceBooks haha…..
To the person who asked about the periods…YES it does mess with your cycle the first couples months. i actually thought i was pregnant because it was 3 weeks late. but it came 🙂 and the next month it came early. now i am like clockwork and i had been on BC for YEARS because of how irregular it was. Im not saying its a cure all OR a replacement to your Dr prescribed pill. i just now a few people who take it with me had the same thing in the beginning…it is 100% NOT a replacement..if you don’t take your BC and have unprotected sex you WILL get pregnant. you cannot be on it while pregnant or nursing because you don’t know what these herbs can do do a fetus and once the baby is born the diuretic effect and appetite suppressant would get passed to the baby if your breastfeeding and coulee be very dangerous.
What is the reason behind the extreme thirst when taking this product? I’m very happy with it and have lost 25 lbs over the past 3 months. But I am curious about that “side effect”.
Mia In my reviews of Zi Xiu Tang I tried to find and link to quality evidence to back up the claims of zxt. I was unable to locate any published peer reviewed evidence to show bee pollen helps weight loss, improves metabolism or sex drive or anything else that you wrote.
Can you show us links to published medical studies (not books) proving that bee pollen:
1. improves weight loss in humans
2. improves sex drive in humans
3. improves metabolism in humans
4. helps any of the other medicinal benefits you mentioned
I’m very curious to read these studies.
I dont know about irregular periods but it does mention advantages for pms symptoms. From personal experience, I have noted irregular periods
Bee Pollen: Here you will find just some of the greatest advantages of bee pollen. Many people claim that the list of advantages is nearly endless, but a lot have yet to be proven.
Bee pollen benefits also extend towards the region of weight loss. Bee pollen has shown to have a capability to help in fat loss by rectifying a chemical imbalance that many people with weight problems tend to have.
Other weight control advantages of bee pollen include improving your metabolism (the rate at which your entire body burns fat); dissolving and flushing fat cells from your body because of the high percentage of lecithin contained in bee pollen; and it also assists to reduce your cravings for food.
Bee pollen benefits are terrific and chances are that you could improve your health substantially with the various bee pollen benefits.
Some of the bee pollen advantages need to do with the simple fact that bee pollen has higher concentrations of the B vitamin complex, and also contains Vitamins A, C, D, and E.
Among the advantages bee pollen is very well known for is that it acts really effectively as a natural energizer for your entire body.
Scientists, physicians and researchers have been experiencing very positive outcomes in their work with bee pollen and decades of success to prove the many advantages of bee pollen.
There are happen to be numerous reports, articles and books which have been written suggesting that the benefits of bee pollen extend to being able to slow down the aging procedure.
Other bee pollen benefits consist of the truth of the matter that it is really efficient in lowering your cholesterol levels.
Bee pollen advantages relating to your sexual well being are well documented as well. There happen to be many studies proving that bee pollen is really helpful in restoring the health of women’s reproductive system and relief from the discomfort of PMS was also noted.
Chinese Yam: Is a root that is dried and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Medicinal Benefits:
Has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects which makes it a good choice for urinary tract conditions.
It is used for a variety of female problems, including premenstrual syndrome and menopause-related symptoms.
It relaxes muscle spasms and is valuable for colic, bowel spasms, abdominal cramps and menstrual cramps.
It has anti-inflammatory property that is why herbalists prescribe it for rheumatoid arthritis.
It promotes perspiration and reduces fever.
When combined with other blood cleaners, it will aid in removing wastes from the system, and relieving stiff and sore joints.
It strengthens the function of the gallbladder and liver.
It stimulates the flow of bile to the duodenum, a part of the small intestine.
It has also been shown to lower temporarily lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the blood.
I don’t know how any of the ingredients in zi xiu tang would effect menstrual cycles. I am not an expert on birth control pills or menstrual cycles but I recommend you ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.
to the gal who posted about the irregular period while on the pill…..don’t take anyone’s word for it….double up on the birth control until all is back to normal and you are off zzt.there are lots of things that can be used along with your pills just to be sure. inconvenient, but worth the trouble.Take care.