Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Cordyceps Militaris | Holy Basil (Tulsi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | 1000-3000mg daily (fruiting body extract) or 500-1000mg (concentrated 10:1 extract) | 500-1000mg daily (standardized extract) or 300mg of high-potency extract |
| Timing | Morning or pre-workout (energizing). Avoid evening dosing. | Morning and/or evening with meals. Tulsi tea form is also traditional. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2 weeks off, or continuous | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off, or ongoing at lower doses |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
Cordyceps contains cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and adenosine, which modulate purinergic signaling. Cordycepin activates AMPK, inhibits mTOR, and modulates adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A3). It enhances cellular ATP production by upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis genes and improving oxygen utilization efficiency. Cordyceps increases EPO production (erythropoietin) via HIF-1alpha stabilization, enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity. Beta-glucans (1,3/1,6) activate innate immune cells via Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3). It also relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and enhances adrenal hormone production.
1000-3000mg daily (fruiting body extract) or 500-1000mg (concentrated 10:1 extract)
Morning or pre-workout (energizing). Avoid evening dosing.
Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2 weeks off, or continuous
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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