Prominence of curcumin in anticancer strategies and innovation in bioimaging

Curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric), has garnered significant attention in recent years for its multifaceted potential in anticancer therapy and bio-imaging applications. This review article comprehensively explores the diverse anticancer properties of CUR, encompassing its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative effects, as well as its ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis, making it a promising candidate in the fight against cancer. In addition to its therapeutic potential, CUR's unique physicochemical properties have enabled its utility as a versatile imaging agent for various bio-imaging modalities, including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying CUR's bio-imaging capabilities and discuss its various applications in cancer diagnosis, monitoring treatment responses, and elucidating biological processes. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the dual role of CUR as an anticancer agent and a bio-imaging tool, elucidate its potential in the development of novel cancer therapies and diagnostic approaches. The amalgamation of CUR's bio-imaging and therapeutic properties suggests its future as a pivotal player in personalized medicine and precision oncology.