Quick Comparison
| Agmatine Sulfate | Holy Basil (Tulsi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | 2-3 hours | 2-5 hours (eugenol and other active compounds) |
| Typical Dosage | Standard: 500-2000 mg daily in 1-3 doses. For mood: 1000-2000 mg. For pain: 1000-2500 mg. Take on empty stomach. Agmatine sulfate is the most common supplement form. May enhance the effects of some nootropics and medications — research interactions. | Standard: 300-600 mg extract daily, or 2-3 cups of tulsi tea. Standardized extracts (2.5% ursolic acid) provide more consistent dosing. Can be taken morning or evening. |
| Administration | Oral (powder, capsules). Take on empty stomach for best absorption. | Oral (capsules, tea, tincture). Tea form is traditional and pleasant. Extract for standardized dosing. |
| Research Papers | 10 papers | 10 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Agmatine Sulfate
Agmatine is a polyamine neuromodulator with multiple targets: (1) NMDA receptor antagonist at the polyamine binding site (GluN1/GluN2B) — reduces excitotoxicity, pain signaling, and blocks the receptor's open channel. (2) Imidazoline I1 and I2 receptor agonist — I1 in the rostral ventrolateral medulla reduces sympathetic tone; I2 modulates monoamine oxidase and provides anxiolytic/antidepressant effects. (3) Selective nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor — reduces peroxynitrite formation and oxidative stress while preserving eNOS (endothelial) function for vascular health. (4) Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist — reduces norepinephrine release from locus coeruleus, promoting calm. (5) Modulates opioid receptors — enhances mu-opioid analgesia, potentiates delta-opioid, and may reduce tolerance via nitric oxide and NMDA mechanisms.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy basil's adaptogenic effects come from multiple compounds: eugenol (anti-inflammatory via COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition, TRPV1 modulation), ursolic acid (cortisol modulation via 11beta-HSD inhibition and glucocorticoid receptor modulation), rosmarinic acid (antioxidant via Nrf2/ARE pathway, anti-allergic via mast cell stabilization), and ocimumosides A and B (anti-stress via CRH and corticosterone reduction). It modulates the HPA axis, normalizing cortisol and corticosterone levels through hypothalamic and adrenal effects. Ursolic acid inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), mildly increasing synaptic acetylcholine. Eugenol provides direct anxiolytic effects through GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulation (possibly at the beta2/3 subunit interface) and 5-HT1A partial agonism. Ocimumosides may reduce ACTH release from the pituitary.
Risks & Safety
Agmatine Sulfate
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea at high doses.
Serious
May potentiate opioid medications (increased sedation risk). May lower blood pressure.
Rare
Headache, nausea.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Common
Very well-tolerated. Mild blood sugar lowering.
Serious
May have anti-fertility effects — caution if trying to conceive. May interact with blood thinners.
Rare
Allergic reaction.
Full Profiles
Agmatine Sulfate →
A metabolite of L-arginine produced by decarboxylation. Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that acts on multiple receptor systems — it blocks NMDA receptors, activates imidazoline receptors, inhibits nitric oxide synthase, and modulates opioid signaling. This makes it useful for neuropathic pain, mood, stress resilience, and as a complement to other nootropics. Also enhances insulin sensitivity and nitric oxide production.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) →
An Ayurvedic adaptogen (Ocimum tenuiflorum) revered as 'The Incomparable One' in traditional Indian medicine. Holy basil reduces cortisol, supports clear thinking under stress, and has mild anxiolytic effects. It is gentler than ashwagandha and rhodiola, making it suitable for people who find stronger adaptogens overstimulating or sedating. Often consumed as a pleasant-tasting tea.