The Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warning about weight loss supplements that contain a toxin that can trigger neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems and even death.
The agency determined that an additional product labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed has yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) instead of the ingredients on its label.
“Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America and a toxic substance of concern to public health officials,” the FDA wrote in its warning update last week.
As part of an investigation that dates back to 2023, the FDA has identified over two dozen products featuring yellow oleander.
These products are sold on platforms like Amazon, Ebay and “natural” websites. The FDA noted that some — but not all — of the retailers agreed to recall the toxic products.
The latest addition to the FDA’s list is Chupa Panza, sold by Naturista Reyes (Suerte Y Salud LLC, La Tia Mana LLC). The FDA reported that Ebay removed the listing last week.
For those who have consumed these products, the FDA recommends contacting a health care provider immediately, even if the use was a while ago.
Remaining products should be tossed ASAP.
Tejocote root, derived from a hawthorn tree that’s native to the mountainous regions of Mexico and parts of Guatemala, has long been used in traditional Mexican medicine for respiratory and digestive health.
More recently, it’s doubled as an herbal supplement that promises weight loss, appetite suppression, fat burning and detox powers with little to no evidence to support those claims.
But instead of tejocote root, the FDA-identified products are said to contain yellow oleander, which is known to cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac abnormalities and even death.
“Call 9-1-1 or get emergency medical help right away if you or someone in your care has serious side effects from these products,” the FDA said.
