Ricinus communis L.,a plant of Ricinus genus (Euphorbiaceae family),are commonly used as traditional Chinese medicine and ethnomedicine for relieving constipation by purgation,treating traumatic injuries,detoxification,etc.Recent research revealed that the R. communis possessed a number of chemicals,including terpenoids,sterols,flavonoids,fatty acids,tocopherols,alkaloids,phenolic acids,and coumarins,which exhibited extensive biological and pharmacological activities,such as antimicrobial,insecticidal,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,antineoplastic,antidiabetic,anti-fertility and hepatoprotective activities.This paper aims to summarize the research progress on the chemical components and biological activities of R. communis,which could provide a basis for the further research and comprehensive development and utilization.