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.