Calotropis gigantea has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and folk medicine in India and other parts of South Asia, for the treatment of snake bites. Traditional healers have employed various parts of the plant, including latex, leaves, and roots, either topically or orally, often as part of complex herbal preparations. The rationale stems from empirical use and anecdotal reports rather than systematic, controlled studies.

Scientifically, there is limited evidence to validate these traditional claims. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of Calotropis gigantea may have certain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory or enzyme-inhibiting properties, which could theoretically interfere with some venom components. However, these findings are preliminary, and there are no robust clinical trials or well-established pharmacological data confirming efficacy or safety for treating snake envenomation in humans.

Therefore, while the use of Calotropis gigantea for snake bites is well documented in traditional medical literature and ethnobotanical surveys, scientific validation is lacking. Reliance on this plant for snakebite management in lieu of proven therapies such as antivenom is not recommended. The evidence supporting its use is primarily traditional and should be regarded with caution.