Curcumin

I've been taking this the last month, just one rather large capsule a day, 900mg, because I wanted a protectant against the toxins in the appreciable amounts of fat I'm releasing in my blood. since I now have rheumatoid arthritis, I also like it for its anit inflammatory properties. It's also supposed to do a lot of other stuff, but who knows. It doesn't hurt to try it though.

From Wikipedia

In vitro and animal studies have suggested the curcumin may have antitumor, antioxidant, antiarthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory properties may be due to inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis. In addition it may be effective in treating malaria, prevention of cervical cancer, and may interfere with the replication of the HIV virus. In HIV, it appears to act by interfering with P300/CREB-binding protein (CBP). It is also hepatoprotective. A 2008 study at Michigan State University showed that low concentrations of curcumin interfere with Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) replication. The same study showed that curcumin inhibited the recruitment of RNA polymerase II to viral DNA, thus inhibiting the transcription of the viral DNA. This effect was shown to be independent of effect on histone acetyltransferase activities of p300/CBP.A previous (1999) study performed at University of Cincinnati indicated that curcumin is significantly associated with protection from infection by HSV-2 in animal models of intravaginal infections.
Curcumin acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. Curcuminoids induce glutathione S-transferase and are potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450.

Dangers of taking too much of the stuff

Kawanishi et al. (2005) remarked that curcumin, like many antioxidants, can be a "double-edged sword" where in the test tube, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects may be seen in addition to pro-oxidant effects. Carcinogenic effects are inferred from interference with the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, an important factor in human colon cancer. Carcinogenic and LD50 tests in mice and rats, however, have failed to establish a relationship between tumorogenesis and administration of curcumin in turmeric oleoresin at >98% concentrations.
In animal studies, hair loss (alopecia) and lowering of blood pressure have been reported.
Clinical studies in humans with high doses (2–12 grams) of curcumin have shown few side effects, with some subjects reporting mild nausea or diarrhea. More recently, curcumin was found to alter iron metabolism by chelating iron and suppressing the protein hepcidin, potentially causing iron deficiency in susceptible patients.

I might go up to two capsules a day though (around 2 grams). This RA is kicking my butt. Fat and an element of black pepper, piperine, helps with its absorption. The LA Times had a great article on it, citing that despite all the test tube studies, there's little hard evidence as far as human studies that it helps. But it doesn't hurt. At least if you don't take craploads of the stuff

Cole agrees that there's little downside to trying curcumin. Because the compound is so poorly absorbed, he sees little potential for harm. Studies have found that people can take 7 grams a day without side effects, although it’s possible that larger doses, or use over longer periods of time, can upset the stomach and perhaps increase the risk of bleeding.

LA Times

Hmm. I think I'll go make some chicken curry now :-)