Process for extracting polyphenolic antioxidants from purine-containing plants

A process for isolating polyphenolic antioxidants from purine-containing plant material, comprising the steps of: (a) extracting the plant material with an hydroxylic extracting liquid preferably at low temperature; (b) adsorbing the extract obtained in step (a), preferably at low temperature; (c) desorbing the adsorbed material with a hydroxylic desorbing liquid, preferably at relatively high temperature; and (d) concentrating and optionally drying the desorbed material. The process is especially suitable for producing cocoa antioxidants ofr use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutritional compositions.