The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether whey protein, with or without an adaptogenic herb blend, can improve strength, recovery, stress, and wellbeing in active males. The adaptogenic blend contains 600mg ashwagandha root extract.The main questions the study aims to answer are:
Does whey protein improve muscle strength and recovery in physically active males? Does adding ashwagandha to whey protein further improve stress, recovery, sleep, and wellbeing compared with protein alone? Are there differences between whey protein when combined with the adaptogenic blend?
Researchers will compare two supplement groups:
* Whey protein * Whey protein with ashwagandha
Participants will:
* Take their assigned supplement for 6 weeks * Attend two testing sessions before and after the intervention * Complete questionnaires about recovery, sleep, stress, soreness, and digestive health * Provide saliva samples to measure stress, hormone, immune, and inflammation markers * Complete muscle strength tests, including handgrip strength and push-up testing * Complete a 24-hour dietary recall * The study includes physically active males aged 18 to 45 years who regularly participate in structured training.
Male, aged 18-45 years
Currently participating in regular structured athletic or physical training (≥3 sessions per week)
Free from musculoskeletal injury that would prevent testing
Willing to maintain usual diet and training habits during the study
Known allergy or sensitivity to dairy, ashwagandha or nightshades
Current use of prescribed medication that may interact with the supplements
Thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, hormone-sensitive conditions, or other medical conditions
Diagnosed eating disorder or condition affecting protein metabolism
Parallel
Whey protein
Dietary supplementParticipants will consume a whey protein supplement for 6 weeks. The supplement will be provided in identical blank tubs. Participants will be instructed to maintain their usual diet and training habits throughout the intervention period.
Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein With Adaptogenic Blend
Dietary supplementParticipants will consume a whey protein supplement containing ashwagandha KSM-66® root extract (600 mg) for 6 weeks. Supplements will be provided in identical blank tubs. Participants will maintain usual diet and training habits during the study.
Salivary Cortisol Concentration
Change in salivary cortisol concentration from baseline to post-intervention following 6 weeks of whey protein supplementation with or without an adaptogenic herb blend containing ashwagandha KSM-66®. Results will be reported in ng/mL.
Handgrip Strength
Change in maximal handgrip strength measured using a CAMRY dynamometer from baseline to post-intervention.
Upper Body Muscular Endurance
Change in upper body muscular endurance assessed using the 90-degree push-up test protocol from baseline to post-intervention.
Perceived Recovery and Wellbeing
Participants will complete the Hooper Index Questionnaire, which assesses four domains: sleep quality, fatigue, stress, and muscle soreness. Each domain is rated on a 10-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 10, with total scores ranging from 4 to 40. Higher scores indicate poorer wellbeing and recovery status, whereas lower scores indicate better perceived wellbeing and recovery.
Salivary DHEA-S Concentration
Salivary DHEA-S concentration will be measured from saliva samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Results will be reported in ng/mL.
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