The pivotal characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are irreversible memory loss and progressive cognitive decline, eventually causing death from brain failure. In the various proposed hypotheses of AD, oxidative stress is also regarded as a symbolic pathophysiologic cascade contributing to brain diseases. Using Chinese herbal medicine may be beneficial for treating and preventing AD. As a rare and valuable animal medicine, Moschus possesses antioxidant and antiapoptotic efficacy and is extensively applied for treating unconsciousness, stroke, coma, and cerebrovascular diseases. We aim to evaluate whether Moschus protects PC12 cells from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cellular injury. The chemical constituents of Moschus are analyzed by GC-MS assay. The cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels, oxidative stress-related indicators, and apoptotic proteins are determined. Through GC-MS analysis, nineteen active contents were identified. The cell viability loss, lactate dehydrogenase releases, MMP levels, ROS productions, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) activities decreased, and BAX, Caspase-3, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression also significantly down-regulated and heme oxygenase 1, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and quinine oxidoreductase 1 expression upregulated after pretreatment of Moschus. The result indicated Moschus has neuroprotective activity in relieving H₂O₂-induced cellular damage, and the potential mechanism might be associated with regulating the Nrf-2/ARE signaling pathway. A more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of Moschus in the pathogenesis of AD will provide a fundamental basis for in vivo AD animal model research, which may be able to provide further insights and new targets for AD therapy.

Objective: To clarify the effectiveness of Low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) in treating Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP), identify the therapeutic effects of different treatment parameters, and provide evidence-based recommendations.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and China Science and Technology Journal Database up to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LFES with comparable single rehabilitation interventions, placebo/sham treatments, or conventional rehabilitation were included. The included outcomes were pain intensity and motor function in the upper extremities. The systematic review protocol is available on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration number: CRD42023493979).Results: A total of eight studies (341 participants) were included. LFES showed significant therapeutic effects on shoulder pain scores (SMD = −0.68; 95% CI: [−1.18, −0.18], Z = 2.69, p = 0.006, I² = 76%). However, the improvement in upper limb motor function (MD = 8.50; 95% CI: [5.12, 11.88], Z = 4.93, p < 0.001, I² = 16%) was influenced by a single study with lower methodological quality. Subgroup analyses examined factors such as control group type, stimulation type, duration, frequency, pulse width, and stimulation area. The variations in therapeutic effects of LFES across different treatment parameters, different hemiplegic sides, and different stimulation areas were further explored by subgroup analysis.Conclusion: The meta-analysis results indicate that LFES has significant positive effects on alleviating HSP, but its effect on improving motor function requires cautious interpretation due to potential bias.Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), identifier: CRD42023493979.