Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Holy Basil (Tulsi) | Shilajit | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | 500-1000mg daily (standardized extract) or 300mg of high-potency extract | 250-500mg purified shilajit daily (standardized to >50% fulvic acid) |
| Timing | Morning and/or evening with meals. Tulsi tea form is also traditional. | Morning with warm water or milk (traditional Ayurvedic method). Can be split AM/PM. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off, or ongoing at lower doses | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
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
Shilajit is a mineral-rich exudate containing fulvic acid (60-80%), dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs), and over 85 minerals in ionic form. Fulvic acid acts as an electron shuttle in mitochondrial electron transport, enhancing CoQ10 function and ATP production. DBPs protect CoQ10 from oxidation, extending its functional half-life. Shilajit increases total and free testosterone by stimulating steroidogenesis and reducing SHBG. It also enhances mitochondrial membrane potential, acts as a potent antioxidant (fulvic acid neutralizes free radicals), and improves mineral absorption by forming bioavailable fulvic acid-mineral complexes.
250-500mg purified shilajit daily (standardized to >50% fulvic acid)
Morning with warm water or milk (traditional Ayurvedic method). Can be split AM/PM.
Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →