Yes, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory. It has poor absorption.
But there are two new forms available... CurcuGel 500mg and LongVida brand that were used in studies that help with that.

I've noticed recently that the expensive LongVida brand has licensed out to NOW which lowers the price x3 making it available to more people. It is nano technology that improves absorption.

http://www.nowfoods.com/CurcuBrain-4...g-Capsules.htm

This is the Amazon offering:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Curc...FPS8W486480HC4
There is a long comment on this link comparing all the good brands of curcumin available today. The Bioperine or pepper extract mentioned is also thought to affect prescription drug absorption...so people using drugs should be careful with any Bioperine product.

It is still more expensive than regular turmeric or curcumin, but the enhanced absorption is easier on the stomach and far more useful to the body as a whole. So you need less, and will get more absorption from it.
Some people get GI upset from curcumin left in the GI tract.

There is a study out there now showing curcumin useful for inflammation of the blood vessels, making it helpful for vasculitis perhaps.