Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 11 to 19 years on the day of baseline testing * Male or female player registered with a participating grassroots football club or community football programme, taking part in organised football training at least once a week (any playing ability) * Able to attend both testing sessions and able to swallow a capsule * Valid written consent: parent/caregiver consent and player assent (ages 11 to 15), or the player's own consent (ages 18 to 19) Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed liver, kidney or thyroid condition * Autoimmune condition (e.g. type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease) * Diabetes or another condition affecting blood sugar; high or low blood pressure requiring treatment * Regularly takeing prescribed medicine * Known allergy or intolerance to ashwagandha, nightshade family plants, corn (maize) or the capsule shell * Pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding * Stomach ulcer; heart condition; chest pain, fainting or seizures during exercise; or medical advice not to do hard exercise * Current illness or injury that prevents maximal effort * Surgery planned during the study or within 2 weeks after it, or hospital admission in the last 3 months * Currently taking, or taken in the past 4 weeks, ashwagandha in any form, including combination products * Unwilling to avoid starting any new supplement during the six weeks * Taking part in another research study involving a supplement or medicine in the past 3 months