PRKAA1 and neurodegenerative disease: In summary, by modulating multiple key signaling pathways (such as AMPK, Nrf2, ERK/MAPK, and AMPK/mTOR/ULK1), ICA exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-NSC, and autophagy-enhancing effects, demonstrating significant efficacy in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and broad prospects for clinical translation.