Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Fadogia Agrestis | Holy Basil (Tulsi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | 400-600mg daily | 500-1000mg daily (standardized extract) or 300mg of high-potency extract |
| Timing | Morning with food. | Morning and/or evening with meals. Tulsi tea form is also traditional. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (limited long-term safety data) | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off, or ongoing at lower doses |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
Fadogia agrestis stem extract contains saponins and alkaloids that appear to increase luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the anterior pituitary, stimulating Leydig cell testosterone production. Animal studies suggest it may also have direct effects on testicular steroidogenic enzymes and may increase testicular weight. The saponin content may modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency. The aphrodisiac effects are likely mediated through increased testosterone and possibly direct effects on dopaminergic and nitrergic pathways.
400-600mg daily
Morning with food.
Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (limited long-term safety data)
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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