What are "pastillas chinas"?

"Pastillas chinas" is a soft gel pill intended to help a consumer lose weight. Also known as Meizitang, the manufacturer claims to use only natural ingredients for "botanical slimming."

Companies that sell pastillas chinas and Meizitang claim that by using medicinal theory and herbs from China, such as Xianxian cao and lotus leaf, these diet pills along with diet and exercise can shed up to 15lbs in a month from a consumer's waistline. However, according to The New York Times, Meizitang is often found to contain sibutramine, a dangerous appetite suppressant that is illegal in America due to its ability to cause heart attack and stroke.