Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) | Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | — | 200-400mg daily (standardized to 2% eurycomanone or 22-40% bioactive content) |
| Timing | — | Morning with or without food. Can split AM/PM. |
| Cycle Duration | — | Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (or 5 days on, 2 off) |
| 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.
Tongkat Ali contains quassinoids (eurycomanone, eurycomanol) and bioactive peptides (eurypeptides). Primary mechanisms: reduces SHBG binding, freeing testosterone; inhibits aromatase (CYP19A1), reducing estrogen conversion; modulates the HPA axis reducing cortisol; stimulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis via cAMP pathway activation; and may inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes. The net effect is increased free testosterone, improved testosterone:cortisol ratio, and enhanced libido via dopaminergic and NO-mediated pathways in erectile tissue.
200-400mg daily (standardized to 2% eurycomanone or 22-40% bioactive content)
Morning with or without food. Can split AM/PM.
Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (or 5 days on, 2 off)
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