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

Snake Species	Scientific Name	Venom Type	LD₅₀ (mg/kg)	Notes
Sindh Krait	Bungarus sindanus	Neurotoxic	~0.004–0.006 (IV)	Among the most toxic land snakes
Common Krait	Bungarus caeruleus	Neurotoxic	~0.01 (IV)	Big Four; nighttime bites common
Andaman Krait	Bungarus andamanensis	Neurotoxic	~0.02–0.05 (IV)	Endemic to Andaman Islands; poorly studied
Coral Snake	Sinomicrurus macclellandi	Neurotoxic	~0.13 (IV)	Rare, extremely toxic
Central Asian Cobra	Naja oxiana	Neurotoxic	~0.14 (IV)	Extremely aggressive; limited presence near NW India
Indian Spectacled Cobra	Naja naja	Neurotoxic	~0.18 (IV)	Big Four; widespread in India
Sochurek’s Saw-scaled Viper	Echis carinatus sochureki	Hemotoxic	~0.24–0.45 (SC)	Highly aggressive subspecies
Monocled Cobra	Naja kaouthia	Neurotoxic	~0.28 (IV)	Highly venomous; common in NE India
Saw-scaled Viper	Echis carinatus	Hemotoxic	~0.44–0.75 (SC)	Big Four; dry region killer
Russell’s Viper	Daboia russelii	Hemotoxic	~0.4–0.75 (SC)	Big Four; severe symptoms
Hump-nosed Pit Viper	Hypnale hypnale	Hemotoxic, nephrotoxic	~1.6–6.0 (SC/IP)	Medically significant now
King Cobra	Ophiophagus hannah	Neurotoxic	~1.0–1.7 (IV/SC)	Massive venom yield
Banded Krait	Bungarus fasciatus	Neurotoxic	~1.0–1.5 (IV)	Shy, less frequent bites
Himalayan Pit Viper	Gloydius himalayanus	Hemotoxic	~2.0–3.5 (SC)	High altitude; rarely fatal
Bamboo Pit Viper	Trimeresurus gramineus	Cytotoxic	~4.0–5.0 (SC)	Local damage, less systemic effect
Malabar Pit Viper	Trimeresurus malabaricus	Cytotoxic	~5.0–6.0 (SC)	Found in Western Ghats

💡 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.