Abstract: The present application relates to the pharmaceutical use of a class of E)-3-arylheterocycly]prop-2-enoic acid derivatives. Such compounds are a class of new Nrf2 activators, which effectively activate Nrf2 signaling pathway to produce the effects of resisting oxidative stress, resisting neuritis, and enhancing mitochondrial function and biogenesis, thereby protecting nerve cells, and same can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. In addition, such new Nrf2 activators can also be used to treat autoimmune diseases, diabetes, nephropathy, and other chronic diseases.