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.
Hey S
I found your comments very interesting and I must say have fueled my own suspicions that zi xiu tang may contain something not listed in the ingredients. Neither Kudzu or naltrexone are listed on the zxt box that I have and I was not aware of the new FDA approved diet drug containing naltrexone.
As I’ve said in other comments, I wish I had access to a mass spectrometer so I could test zi xiu tang to see if the label is accurate (I’ve contacted people but so far no luck in getting any help with this). I will do some digging on all of this and let you know if I turn up anything.
I’m glad you liked the comments – and a little sad that we may have the only unbiased zi xiu tang info on the web today.
Hi again Joe,
I just found Kudzu can have similar affects as naltrexone. However, I don’t see Kudzu listed as an ingredient is zi xiu tang. I’m wondering if you know if any of the ingredients that are in ZXT cause the same side effects as naltrexone?
I’ve checked each ingredient out but coming up at a loss.
Thanks again,
S
I’ve been using zi xiu tang for just over 3 months and have experienced many side effects including a 19 pound weight loss. While I’m happy about that, I constantly am searching for possible negative news that might be associated with this product. I have read every comment on this site and I appreciate it because in all the searching, this is the only non-biased info I’ve been able to find.
I just read that the FDA has approved a diet drug. It contains Naltrexone. Most of the side effects of Naltrexone are the side effects I’ve experienced on zi xiu tang!!!!! (blurred vision, rashes, increased blood pressure, initially insomnia, diarrhea, appetite loss, CHILLS!, TREMORS….only at night, tachycardia….etc…) I have often wondered as you have mentioned that is there something in this that is not listed!!!!!
While I don’t want to discontinue using zi xiu tang, I also don’t want to be foolish. I have searched and searched to the point of infecting a computer with a virus and have found absolutely nothing negative about zi xiu tang yet I’m concerned after reading about Naltrexone that there may be a correlation.
Joe, do you have thought on this?
Thanks so much for having this post!
S
Joe–thanks for that alcohol input i didn’t know that!! i guess my once a week mommy-rita could be a big factor in my weight loss slow down.
Tina- i have noticed that if i drink (and im on the ZXT) i get worse hangovers. drinking makes you dehydrated in the first place add that to the way the ZXT can dehydrate if you don’t stay on top of your water intake and it spells EPIC HANGOVER so i would be careful. i have been taking one pill a day and im still losing weight but i also weigh a lot more than you. If you really only want to take it for a month i don’t see how it could hurt. as long as you are not allergic to any ingredient in it. mane buy a sample/trial pack some of the websites offer so you can see how it will effect you before making a larger purchase
Hi Tina. As far as I know the effects of alcohol and zi xiu tang is unknown. Regardless remember that alcohol has calories and too many calories causes people to gain weight. So, drinking would probably reduce any weight you might lose.
Aside from the bad health effects of alcohol abuse (breast cancer etc), every gram of alcohol has 7 calories per gram. Every gram of fat has 9 calories per gram-so alcohol has almost as many calories as fat does – so it can can cause a significant gaining of weight. FYI, there are 28 grams in 1 ounce of anything.
Also, is it okay for me to drink while on these pills? I am a college freshman, and well…drinking pretty much defines college freshman. Just being honest.
Has anyone had any experiences while drinking and being on these pills?
Hi, I’m an 18-year-old that’s looking to lose around 15 lbs. I am 100 lbs, but I am very (very, very, very) short, so my BMI would still be healthy at 85 lbs. I am moderately active, but I’m a college student, so my diet is junk. I’m trying to improve, though.
Do you think these pills will be okay for me to use? Since I’m so lightweight, I was thinking of just taking one pill a day (instead of the normal two) and just seeing how I react. I am on birth control, but I’m not having sex, so if my period gets screwed up, it’s not like I’m gonna end up pregnant or anything.
I really only plan on taking the pill for around a month. I don’t want my body to start to depend on it, since I’m kind of scared about the ingredients and their long-term effects.
Since I already weigh so little, it’s very hard to lose more weight. Back when I was dieting, I ate only natural foods and ran 10 miles a day. I lost about 6 lbs in 3 months, which I guess is alright, but I gained it all back as soon as I stopped running. And let’s be honest here, it’s very time consuming and not realistic to run 10 miles a day.
What’s your advice? Should I go for it and try these pills, despite my low weight already?
I’m hoping that since they’re Senna-free now, they’ll have fewer side effects and I’ll be able to handle them. I don’t care if the weight loss is slow, as long as it happens!
So i got my ZXT i ordered off line and im happy to report that code is legit…NONE of the other bottles i have gotten had the FLOYD NUTRITION logo anywhere on the packaging and this one does. also the GMP logo is on it which was not on the first 2 bottles i had. i know this supplement was on the GMP list because i researched it before i took it but this one has the proof on the package which i like. the entire package looks a little different then my previous bottles but it also says “anti-counterfeiting code latest packaging” on the top of the box. So either its a possibility that i was scammed…by a friend..before or i just haven’t received a “new” product in a while. the bottles are all sealed up and cotton still in. i opened all of the little boxes just to make sure they were all the same.
Inertia— I have been on it since August and I have had weeks i wont see the scale go down but i see the inches decrease. don’t only go by what the number on the scale is. measure your chest,waist,hips and thighs once a week. i know its a pain but that’s more accurate to see the difference in your body then the scale. I would be stuck in a stop for a week or two with little to no loss then jump on the scale and it would say 8 down. I know that seems crazy but my pant size doesn’t lie. I was a 24/26 before and am now constantly pulling up a size 18. soon to be 16.
I’m interested to see if once i go back to two pills a day my BP remains stable. If it does i think i will be having a very strong discussion with the “friend” who sold me the previous bottles!
i agree with what mia said and inertia
Thanks Inertia I appreciate the feedback. Sure Im fine with that if it helps others
keep everybody posted if your slow zxt week continues.
I don’t mind seeing websites that are related to scams either. Chances are if it happens to one, it’s happened to others. But Joe clearly you do a good job of filtering so I think people will trust your judgment on here.
I was wondering if it was okay if Mia could post some of the other forums she’s on though (if she’s willing) …if that was acceptable.
By the way, this was slow ZXT week …6 weeks and 11.2 lbs lost …not very much from last week. Wondering if it’s a trend and these pills are starting to run their course with me. I hope not.
Mia thanks for chiming in and I feel similarly – if its to highlight a scammer website etc I’m ok with alerting
everybody to them.
Catherine – thanks for letting me know your thoughts also 🙂
Joe, I feel that we should be allowed to post websites if they scammed us only. Just to warn others. As far as posting sites for other reasons, I feel is not really necessary. The last thing I would want is this to turn out to be another topic website. I appreciate your opinions and others opinions as well, since there is so little information about this product.
I also apologize for posting websites. I thought it would be helpful posting some legit sites that I am aware of. There is so many fakes out there. Some people are willing to purchase pills without doing research on where they are purchasing from. The link I posted above was to the manufacture since i cited information. I am under the impression you have to be a supplier to order from the manufacture, I guess. I like zxt because it does not make me feel like phentermine did, but honestly with all the fakes and the lingering questions, I am starting to wonder. Joe brings up great points, I would love to get these things tested to see whats in it. I was an ephedra user back when it was legal, I had no idea how dangerous it was.
I was wondering if there were some promoters in here, some of the comments where kind of suspicious.
Me personally do object! I’m not suggesting this is what’s happening here, but…. I wouldn’t want someone to take advantage of your kindness Joe, and peace-keeping efforts by soliciting zxt sites on your blog. It can happen, and some will surely try. Let those who want to try it find it on there own. JMO
Nikki, no problem. I’m just trying to do the best job I can for everybody who is taking zi xiu tang or seeking good information about it. I can usually spot spammers but sometimes the lines blur for me when real people, trying to really help others post websites. I have nothing against it as long as most others dont mind it.
Joe-Im sorry I didn’t even realize my putting the website in could cause that kind of problem! If when the bottle comes, it turns out to be a fake not only will I be freaking out over losing money but i will message you the name of the website so you can maybe find a better way to handle it? I’m not even sure how i would go about letting someone official know! I REALLY hope it turns our legit
Does anyone object to seeing zxt websites listed in the comments? I am trying to keep this discussion free of spam or commenters who pose as “real people” so everyone can have a safe place to discuss zi xiu tang. I’m usually good at spotting spammers but I may not be perfect. Sometimes people post zi xiu tang web sites and I debate whether to post them or not. What does everybody think?
Nikki, you right. That’s why i mentioned there may be more sites, but the ones i listed are the only ones i know. I have also purchased some from ebay, which were fakes. So people beware. There are a lot of fakes out there. If your bottle cannot be verified by the code, and if the language is Chinese, then they are facts. The only people that make zi xiu tang is Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Bio-Technology Company
Counterfeit (VS) Authentic
“Increased amount of counterfeit products in the US marketplace has created great concerns for our company, our distributors and our customers. It is difficult for consumers to feel confident in the quality and efficacy of Zi Xiu Tang with so many questions have surfaced about the authenticity of the ingredients.
Many customers visit the Internet daily looking for the “BEST DEAL” often falling prey to counterfeit sellers with fake product that have resulted in severe illness and hospitalization. Only make purchases from an authorized distributor.”
The manufacturer of Zi Xiu Tang has created a new Product Security Code System for monitoring the authenticity of their product in the United States market. This methology will assist the manufactures in collecting feedback on the quality of their products and allow customers to identify and report counterfeit products. Please use the following process to check the authenticity of your product.
Our Zi Xiu Tang Supplier has issued the following warning to consumers:
1. Go to http://www.61131115.com/default.aspx
2. Scratch off the carbon layer off of the Zi Xiu Tang label on the back of the bottle to obtain the Anti-Counterfeit Code
3. Input the Anti-Counterfeit Code and the Validation Code
4. Submit information
5. If a valid code is entered, you will see the following message:
Security code you entered is correct. This product is the production of health products supervised by Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
*If you put the same information in more than once, you will be see a message reminding you to be cautious of buying counterfeit products
WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!
If you do not see the above message, you
have entered a code from a counterfeit product!
*If you see the same information more than once, you will see a message reminding
you to be cautious of purchasing counterfeit products.
Thanks for writing Dana.
I try to use published clinical studies and rational thought and logic when I review supplements. I do this to level the playing field which helps me sort fact from fiction. These are my anchors in an ocean of information and misinformation. No study is perfect as you eluded to. That is why I try to reinforce studies with critical thinking and logic when I can to hopefully paint a more fuller picture.
I appreciate you taking the time to write – and I am with you on the cigarettes – don’t get me started on them either 😉