Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Weight Loss Capsules: Harmful Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient not Listed

Though many may turn to quick fixes in order to shed pounds fast, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials warn of a weight-loss product that does not correctly label all of its ingredients.

Health officials discovered that after testing the weight-loss and body re-shaping supplement Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen that it contains at least one potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredient that is not currently listed on the product's label. In fact, researchers found that even though all the products claimed to be "genuine" and "anti-counterfeit" they contained one to two harmful ingredients, including Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein.

Sibutramine may substantially increase blood pressure or pulse rate in some patients while Phenolphtalein, which was previously used as a laxative in some drugs, is no longer approved in the United States as studies have shown that it can cause cancer.

"Products that contain hidden drugs pose a real danger to consumers," said Carol Bennett, acting director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, via a press release. "This is especially true when the products have names that mislead consumers into believing they are safe and natural."

There have also been a number of reports regarding adverse events with the product, including heart palpitations, tachycardia (increased heart rate) chest pain, diarrhea, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, increased blood pressure and seizure.

The product is manufactured by Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. In Guangdong Province and can be bought online, in retail stores and even some spas.

Anyone taking the weight loss capsules should stop and seek medical attention.