Traditional applications of ‘tokar sha’ – a soap concoction used as medicine in Sokoto-Nigeria

Abstract

‘Tokar sha’ or ‘sabulun toka’, a soap concoction, is a traditional medicine that has found use mainly in the northwest zone of Nigeria - specifically in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states where it is widely known for its medicinal application. However, despite its wide usage, there is no formal documentation on its medicinal application.The current study aims to establish a database on the medicinal uses of
‘tokar sha’ through a field survey study.Following a convenient sampling technique, two hundred (200) participants which comprised mainly of Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMP’s), actual drug users and experienced elders in seven (7) Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria, were directly interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires complemented by a voice recording device and open ended conversation. These tools took into consideration all essential information of ‘tokar sha’ ranging from mode of administration to therapeutic purposes. Survey results revealed that ‘tokar sha’ dissolved in cold water is the most common form of preparation (94%). The oral route was the major route (91%) of administration followed by the topical route (9%). The cold juice preparation of ‘Tokar sha’ was found to be best taken (mixed) with tamarind (48%), fura (27%), lime (17%) or fresh cow milk (nono) (8%) as the vehicle. ‘Tokar sha’ was reported to be therapeutically useful for the management of piles (41%), constipation (20%), dysentery (15%), diarrhoea (12%), skin disease (8) malaria (3%), and typhoid (1%). Dosing prescription can be once (62%), twice (23%) or three times daily (15%), while duration of treatment may take days (56%), weeks (35%) or months (9%). Furthermore, it was also reported to be fatal when taken with honey or any sweetener without a proper time interval. ‘Tokar sha’ is strongly claimed to be an effective therapeutic agent in the management of gastrointestinal ailments such as piles, constipation and dysentery. Mostly taken, once daily, with tamarind, it’s well tolerated as only unpleasant taste and allergy were reported by 14% of the study respondents.