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LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart – Venomous Snakes of India (Most to Least Toxic)

LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart of Venomous Snakes of India Infographic showing Indian snakes ranked by venom toxicity from most to least dangerous, including krait, cobra, viper, and pit viper species.
Snake Species Scientific Name Venom Type LD₅₀ (mg/kg) Notes
Sindh Krait Bungarus sindanus Neurotoxic IV: 0.04 / SC: 0.15 Extremely toxic; high IV lethality
Common Krait Bungarus caeruleus Neurotoxic IV: 0.169 / SC: 0.325 Big Four; very dangerous night biter
Andaman Krait Bungarus andamanensis Neurotoxic Data limited Rare; endemic to Andaman Islands
Coral Snake Sinomicrurus macclellandi Neurotoxic IV: 0.13 Very potent but rarely encountered
Central Asian Cobra Naja oxiana Neurotoxic IV: 0.14 – 0.18 Near NW India; extremely venomous
Indian Spectacled Cobra Naja naja Neurotoxic IV: 0.18 – 0.29 Big Four; widespread across India
Monocled Cobra Naja kaouthia Neurotoxic IV: 0.28 Common in NE India
Sochurek’s Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus sochureki Hemotoxic SC: 0.24 – 0.45 Desert viper; highly aggressive
Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus Hemotoxic SC: 0.44 – 0.75 Big Four; causes internal bleeding
Russell’s Viper Daboia russelii Hemotoxic, Nephrotoxic SC: 0.4 – 0.75 Highly dangerous; multi-organ effects
King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah Neurotoxic IV: 1.0 – 1.7 Largest venomous snake; huge yield
Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus Neurotoxic IV: 1.0 – 1.5 Shy; less common human encounters
Hump-nosed Pit Viper Hypnale hypnale Hemotoxic, Nephrotoxic SC/IP: 1.6 – 6.0 Now listed as medically significant
Himalayan Pit Viper Gloydius himalayanus Hemotoxic SC: 2.0 – 3.5 High altitude; mild effects
Bamboo Pit Viper Trimeresurus gramineus Cytotoxic SC: 4.0 – 5.0 Local tissue damage common
Malabar Pit Viper Trimeresurus malabaricus Cytotoxic SC: 5.0 – 6.0 Found in Western Ghats; rarely fatal

💡 Interpretation

  • Lower LD₅₀ = More Potent Venom
    Example: Sindh Krait is far more toxic than Bamboo Pit Viper
  • LD₅₀ Administration Routes:
    SC (Subcutaneous): Injection given under the skin, like how insulin is given.
    IV (Intravenous): Injection directly into a vein, like a hospital drip.
    IP (Intraperitoneal): Injection into the belly area, often used in lab animals.
  • Venom Type and Effects:
    • Neurotoxic → Paralysis, respiratory failure
    • Hemotoxic → Internal bleeding, clotting disorders
    • Cytotoxic → Local tissue necrosis, pain
    • Nephrotoxic → Kidney failure or damage

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Lower LD₅₀ = More Toxic (e.g., 0.004 is more toxic than 4.0).
  • LD₅₀ values may vary based on species, lab conditions, and route (IV, IP, SC).
  • Real-world danger also depends on:
    • Venom yield
    • Location of bite
    • Access to medical care
    • Victim's age and health
  • Kraits are extremely dangerous due to painless nocturnal bites that delay treatment.
  • Pit Vipers (e.g., Malabar or Bamboo) cause severe local damage but are rarely fatal.
Location: India