A process for extracting isoflavones from a plant material, wherein the said process comprises treating the plant material with an organic solvent, characterized in that the said extraction is preceded by a step of maceration in water. A dry extract containing, as aglycones, at least 8% (w/w) of one or more isoflavones or formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =OH and R.sub.2 =H, Genistein; R.sub.1 =H and R.sub.2 =H, Daidzein; R.sub.1 =H and R.sub.2 =CH.sub.3, Formononetin; R.sub.1 =OH and R.sub.2 =CH.sub.3, Biochanin A.