The essential oil of the plant Cymbopogon citratus, cultivated separately, and also joined with Achillea millefolium L, was obtained by the process of steam distillation. The oil yield was determined through seasonal variation, having as main parameters the temperature, the pluviometer indexes and the collection time. The best results were obtained in the morning period, during high-temperature-days presenting high pluviometer indexes. The microbiological analysis of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil against leavenings (Candida albicans and C. tropicalis), and against bacteria (Escherichia coli, Sthaphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was determined by micro-dilution in broth (MIC). The essential oils cultivated separately, and joined with Achillea millefolium L., presented moderate activity in relation to the tested yeasts (0.63 - 1.25 mg/mL-1). Regarding bacteria, the essential oil of the plant cultivated separately presented high activity in relation to Sthaphylococcus aureus (0.08 mg/mL). On the other hand, the oil revealed to be inactive against other bacteria.
Cymbopogon citrates; essential oil; seasonal; antimicrobial activity
