To develop a new method for rapid determination of alpha solanine in potatoes. Methods The homogenized potato sample was eluted with 5% acetic acid aqueous solution for 30 min, and it was then extracted by isobutanol. The extraction solution was evaporated by nitrogen. Subsequently the residue was redissolved in methanol and analyzed by HPLC after filtration. Separation was obtained by Discovery C₁₈ column(150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm)and mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.02 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate (22∶78, V/V) with flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detection wavelength was set at 210 nm and the temperature was 30 ℃. Results Good linearity was obtained for alpha solanine within the range of 0.02-1.00 mg/ml, and the r was 0.999 7. The limit of detection(S/N=3)and the limit of quantification(S/N=10)were 0.68 and 2.27 μg/ml. The average recoveries of different concentration levels were between 98% and 116%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 0.16% to 1.79%.Conclusion This method is fast, simple, precise and it is feasible for the determination of alpha solanine in potatoes.