A simple mechanical process was developed for extracting natural antio
xidants from plant materials with a food-grade oil as carrier, avoidin
g the use of organic solvents. Oily extracts with a high extraction yi
eld could be obtained by the combined application of heat, water, enzy
mes and mechanical energy. After an appropriate pretreatment, the plan
t material was contacted with an oil in a plough-share mixer (Lodige)
followed by a pressing on a piston press (Carver) which resulted in a
limpid oil immediately. Different plant materials, preferably rosemary
or sage or mixtures of several spices, were used. Carriers were chose
n among high oleic oils, but qualitatively the best extracts were obta
ined with MCT oil, owing to the high polarity and the excellent oxidat
ive stability of this carrier.