Curcuma angustifolia is one of over 80 species belonging to the genus Curcuma , in the family Zingiberaceae. This species is native to the Indian subcontinent and is more commonly known as East Indian Arrowroot or narrow-leaved turmeric in English, and is called "yaipan" in Manipuri, "tikhur" in Hindi, and "Koova" in Malayalam. In the Eastern hemisphere, the plant plays an integral role in many cultures.