Solvent extraction of steam exploded lignocellulosic biomass may be a potential way to obtain antioxidative extracts and to enhance the enzymatic convertibility of the solid residue. Boiling solvent extraction (BSE) showed higher solid and phenolic yields than room temperature extraction. Solubilities of phenolics and sugars were higher in anhydrous ethanol (AE) and deionized water (DW) than in ethyl acetate under each individual extraction condition. The antioxidant activities of the AE and DW extract obtained under BSE were better than those of 10 mM vitamin C. Conversion of the solid fractions into reducing sugar using Celluclast 1.5 Land Novozym 188 after AE and DW extraction was 95.13% and 92.97%, respectively, higher than that obtained with SESB (88.95%). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.