PACA is an enhancer of nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth, enhancing nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth and attenuating 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. PACA has neuroprotective and neurogenic activities. PACA can be used to improve dopaminergic neuron loss and motor dysfunction in MPTP mouse models of Parkinson's disease and MPP + -induced neurons.