U.S. Food and Drug Administration

 FDA Press Release,  Jul 1, 2005

FDA Issues Nationwide Alert for "Liqiang 4" Due to Potential Health Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to take Liqiang 4 Dietary Supplement Capsules because they contain glyburide – a drug that could have serious, life-threatening consequences in some people.

Glyburide is a drug used to lower blood sugar, and is safe and effective when used as labeled in FDA-approved medications. People who have low blood sugar or those with diabetes can receive dangerously high amounts of glyburide by consuming Liqiang 4. Consumers should immediately stop using these products and seek medical attention, especially if they are currently being treated with diabetes drugs or if they have symptoms of fatigue, excessive hunger, profuse sweating, or numbness of the extremities. Consumers who have this product should dispose of it immediately.

The product is sold as part of a shrink-wrapped two bottle set. One of the 90 capsule bottles is labeled Liqiang 4 Dietary Supplement Capsules, the other bottle is promoted as a “bonus pack” of Liqiang 1. At this time FDA is evaluating Liqiang 1 and other versions of this line of products to determine their composition and safety. The product is manufactured by Liqiang Research Institute, China, and marketed throughout the United States in herbal stores and through mail order by Bugle International of Northridge CA.

The FDA learned of the potential problem through an anonymous consumer complaint and followed up with testing that revealed the presence of glyburide in this product.

The product has also been termed "Liqiang Xiao Ke Ling" (Liqiang Thirst Quenching Efficacious) in ads in Chinese language publications which also promote it as useful for the control of diabetes and being derived from only natural ingredients.

This advisory was prepared by the FDA Office of Public Affairs.