The research aim is mainly to investigate the effectiveness of natural antioxidant (NA) obtained from oil palm leaves (Elaeis guineensis) as an aging retardant in natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates. Comparison of NA with other commercial antioxidants, trimethyl quinoline (TMQ) and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), is investigated. The effect of natural and commercial antioxidants on NR vulcanizates was explored before and after aging. Aging test was carried out at 70 degrees C for three different periods, 4, 7, and 14 days to determine aging property by performing the tensile and tear tests. NA shows lower tensile properties, crosslink density, tack strength but high tear strength compared to the commercial antioxidants, BHT and TMQ. However, upon aging NR vulcanizates with NA retains its properties equivalent to that of commercial antioxidants, BHT and TMQ. Thus, NA can be used as an aging retardant for short-term protection in application requiring moderate tensile properties and can be used as alternative source for commercial antioxidant. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012