Herbex is one of South Africa's oldest and most recognisable health supplement brands. Founded and manufactured locally, Herbex has been selling slimming and wellness products to South Africans for decades. You will find their bright green-and-yellow packaging in virtually every Dis-Chem, Clicks, Checkers Hyper, and Pick n Pay across the country.
Unlike prescription medications such as Duromine (phentermine) or Ozempic (semaglutide), Herbex products are over-the-counter supplements — no prescription needed, no doctor's visit required. This accessibility, combined with affordable ZAR pricing, makes them one of the most-tried weight management options in SA.
The brand's flagship range is called Attack the Fat, and includes drops, a concentrate booster, tablets, and teas. They also produce products targeted at men, and products for specific concerns like bloating and energy.
Here is a breakdown of the main Herbex products available on South African shelves:
| Product | Format | Typical Price (ZAR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack the Fat Drops | 50ml liquid drops | R80 - R120 | Appetite support, metabolism |
| Fat Burn Booster Concentrate | 200ml liquid | R90 - R140 | Pre-meal fat burn support |
| Attack the Fat Tablets | 60 tablets | R120 - R160 | Convenience, travel-friendly |
| Fat Burn Tea | 20 tea bags | R60 - R90 | Gentle daily metabolism support |
| Slimmers Tea | 40 tea bags | R70 - R110 | Bloating, digestion, gentle weight support |
| Fat Burn for Men | 200ml liquid | R95 - R145 | Men's metabolism and energy support |
Prices based on Dis-Chem, Clicks, and Takealot data (June 2026). Prices may vary by region and retailer promotions.
Herbex products use a blend of herbal extracts and micronutrients. Here is what the science says about each main active ingredient:
The most evidence-backed ingredient in the range. Green tea catechins — particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) — have been shown in multiple studies to modestly increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis (calorie burning). A meta-analysis in the Cochrane Database found green tea preparations produced a small but statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo. The effect is modest — roughly 0.5-1.5kg over 12 weeks — but it is real and well-documented.
A natural caffeine source from a Brazilian plant. Guarana provides sustained energy and mild appetite suppression. It contributes to the stimulant effect of the drops and concentrate. Sensitive individuals (those with anxiety, heart conditions, or high blood pressure) may find guarana problematic at higher doses. Take stimulant-containing Herbex products before midday to avoid sleep disruption.
Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. Some studies suggest it can reduce carbohydrate cravings. The evidence is mixed — it works better for people with insulin resistance than for the general population. For South Africans eating higher-carb diets (pap, white rice, bread), chromium support may be particularly relevant.
A South African succulent traditionally used by San hunters to suppress appetite on long journeys across the Kalahari. Herbex includes hoodia in some formulations. Formal human trial evidence is limited, but traditional use and anecdotal reports from SA consumers are long-standing. It is a uniquely South African ingredient worth noting.
The Herbex teas include rooibos (caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich), senna leaf (a mild laxative), and digestive botanicals. These support gut health and reduce bloating but should not be confused with direct fat-burning. Senna should not be used daily for extended periods as dependency can develop.
Here is the honest answer most SA supplement brands will not give you: Herbex alone will not produce dramatic weight loss.
No over-the-counter supplement can replicate what a prescription medication like Ozempic (average 15% body weight loss) or Duromine (5-10%) achieves. If it could, it would require a prescription.
What Herbex can realistically support:
Herbex is a legitimate South African supplement brand with real (if modest) active ingredients. It is not a miracle product, but it is affordable, widely available, and safe for most healthy adults. Best used as a support tool alongside a calorie-controlled diet and regular movement — not as a standalone weight loss solution. For people with significant obesity (BMI above 30), a conversation with a doctor about prescription options is worthwhile.
| Feature | Herbex (OTC) | Duromine (Rx) | Ozempic (Rx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription needed | No | Yes (Schedule 6) | Yes |
| Monthly cost | R80 - R160 | R250 - R450 | R2,400 - R6,500 |
| Expected weight loss | 1-3% body weight | 5-10% body weight | 12-15% body weight |
| Mechanism | Mild thermogenic + appetite support | CNS appetite suppressant | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Suitable for heart conditions | Caution (stimulants) | No | Yes (cardioprotective) |
| Available at Dis-Chem without Rx | Yes | No | No |
| Side effect risk | Low-moderate | Moderate-high | Moderate (nausea common) |
See our full guides: Duromine South Africa (2026 Guide) | Ozempic in South Africa | Ozempic Alternatives in SA
Herbex products are generally well-tolerated, but the stimulant-containing products (drops, concentrate, tablets) can cause problems in some people:
If you decide to try Herbex, here is how to give it the best chance of making a difference:
Herbex is one of the most accessible supplements in SA. No prescription or doctor's letter required:
Watch Dis-Chem weekly specials — Herbex regularly appears on promotion and is often bundled at a discount. The Dis-Chem Benefit Programme gives an additional 5-15% saving on health supplements.
Herbex is a solid starting point for healthy adults who want affordable OTC support. But if you need clinically proven weight loss — especially for a BMI above 30 — explore what prescription options look like in South Africa.
Compare SA Weight Loss Options Duromine Guide (Prescription)
Herbex products contain ingredients like green tea extract, chromium, and guarana that have modest evidence for supporting metabolism and appetite. However, clinical trials on the specific Herbex formulations are limited. Most users who report success combine Herbex with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise — it is unlikely to produce meaningful weight loss on its own without lifestyle changes.
Herbex product prices in South Africa (2026): Attack the Fat Drops (50ml) approximately R80-R120; Fat Burn Booster Concentrate (200ml) approximately R90-R140; Fat Burn Tea (20 bags) approximately R60-R90; Attack the Fat Tablets (60 tablets) approximately R120-R160. Prices vary between Dis-Chem, Clicks, and Checkers Hyper. Herbex is far more affordable than prescription options like Ozempic or Duromine.
Herbex drops are generally considered safe for healthy adults when used as directed. They are not scheduled medications and do not require a prescription. However, they contain stimulant ingredients (guarana, green tea) that may cause insomnia, anxiety, or elevated heart rate in sensitive individuals. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, on heart medication, or have thyroid conditions should consult a doctor before use.
The Herbex Attack the Fat range (drops and booster concentrate) is their most popular and most reviewed product. Many South Africans also rate the Fat Burn Tea as a gentle, affordable daily habit. If you are sensitive to stimulants, the tea is a milder option. Consistency and combining with dietary changes matters more than which specific product you choose.
Do not combine Herbex with prescription weight loss medications without first consulting your doctor. Herbex's stimulant components (guarana, green tea caffeine) can interact with prescription medications and may affect heart rate and blood pressure — especially when combined with Duromine. Always disclose all supplements to your prescribing doctor.
Herbex is available nationwide at Dis-Chem Pharmacy, Clicks Pharmacy, Checkers Hyper, Pick n Pay, Spar pharmacies, Takealot.com, and herbex.co.za. No prescription required. Look for them in the weight management or supplements aisle.
Herbex recommends using their products consistently for at least 4-8 weeks alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise. Users who follow a calorie-controlled diet while taking Herbex often report seeing some change within 4 weeks. Without dietary changes, results are minimal.