Mathematical modeling of the combined action of Origanum grosii essential oil and sodium chloride on the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

•The combined effect of Origanum grosii essential oil (OGEO) and sodium chloride (NaCl) has been evaluated against methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA).•OGEO and NaCl showed significant reduction in the growth kinetics of MRSA.•A mathematical model describing the growth of MRSA in presence of OGEO and NaCl has been generated in two different incubation times, 6 h and 11 h, and in terms of total time average value (TAV) over the total duration of the 11 h test.•The combination of OGEO and NaCl showed a synergistic interaction at first order.