Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) | Holy Basil (Tulsi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | — | 500-1000mg daily (standardized extract) or 300mg of high-potency extract |
| Timing | — | Morning and/or evening with meals. Tulsi tea form is also traditional. |
| Cycle Duration | — | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off, or ongoing at lower doses |
| Evidence Level | Moderate | moderate_human |
Contains cycloastragenol and astragaloside IV which activate telomerase (hTERT). Adaptogenic — modulates immune function, reduces inflammation, and supports cardiovascular health. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for Qi tonification.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) contains eugenol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and ocimumosides. Eugenol inhibits COX-2 and 5-LOX, providing anti-inflammatory effects. Ursolic acid activates AMPK and inhibits NF-kB. Ocimumosides (A and B) exhibit anti-stress activity by normalizing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cortisol levels. Holy Basil also inhibits cortisol synthesis at the adrenal level, modulates GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, has adaptogenic effects via normalization of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and exhibits hypoglycemic action via enhanced insulin secretion and peripheral glucose uptake.
500-1000mg daily (standardized extract) or 300mg of high-potency extract
Morning and/or evening with meals. Tulsi tea form is also traditional.
Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off, or ongoing at lower doses
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