About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether whey protein or plant protein supplements, with or without an adaptogenic herb blend, can improve strength, recovery, stress, and wellbeing in active females. The adaptogenic blend contains ashwagandha root extract and shatavari root extract.
The main questions the study aims to answer are:
* Do whey protein and plant protein supplements improve muscle strength and recovery in physically active females? * Does adding ashwagandha and shatavari improve stress, recovery, sleep, and wellbeing compared with protein alone? * Are there differences between whey protein and plant protein when combined with the adaptogenic blend?
Researchers will compare four supplement groups:
* Whey protein * Whey protein with ashwagandha and shatavari * Plant protein * Plant protein with ashwagandha and shatavari
Participants will:
* Take their assigned supplement daily for 6 weeks * Attend 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 females aged 18 to 45 years who regularly participate in structured training.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Female, 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
Disqualifiers
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study period
Known allergy or sensitivity to dairy, pea protein, pumpkin seed, chia seed, ashwagandha, shatavari, or nightshades
Current use of prescribed medication that may interact with the supplements
Thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, hormone-sensitive conditions, or other medical conditions that may be affected by supplementation
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Whey protein
- Whey Protein With Adaptogenic Blend
- Plant Protein Supplement
- Plant Protein With Adaptogenic Blend