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	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.