OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the yield and chemical composition of palmarosa essential oil (PEO) in two seasons (autumn and spring) and to investigate its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was conducted at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul, in Realeza, Paraná State, Brazil, from March to December 2022. PEO was extracted by steam distillation, and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays.

RESULTS:

PEO exhibited a density of 0.88 g/mL and a higher yield in spring (4.73 mL/kg) compared with autumn (1.44 mL/kg). Chemical analysis identified eight major components in both seasons, including geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, cis-ꞵ-ocimene, ꞵ-caryophyllene, and trans-ꞵ-ocimene. Regarding antimicrobial activity, PEO exhibited significant inhibitory effects against all tested S. aureus strains and demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against two specific strains.

CONCLUSION:

Spring was the most favorable season for PEO production in Realeza, due to higher yield and the presence of active compounds such as geraniol and geranyl acetate. PEO proved effective against S. aureus, highlighting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.