Abstract: Ricinine content in different parts of Ricinus communis and the leaves of different growth periods was determined and compared by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) external standard method.The insecticidal activity of extracted ricinine towards Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) was investigated.The results showed that the content of ricinine varied in different parts of R.communis,and decreased in the order of leaf (1.005%)>seed shell (0.568%)>caster bean meal (0.451%)>stem (0.429%)>seed kernel (0.235%).Different contents of ricinine were also found in the leaves of various growth periods,and the highest content was detected in the fresh green leaves.The extracted ricinine exhibited insecticidal activity towards 2nd instar larvae of S.exigua,with LC50 value of 0.35 mg/mL after 72 h.