Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntze, popularly known as "penicilina," "perpétua-do-mato," or "anador," is a plant native to Brazil with various uses and benefits, mainly in traditional medicine. Traditional medicine: The plant is used to treat a variety of conditions, including: Pain, Fever, Infections. Its components include: ferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and dihydroxybenzoic glycoside acid; amaranthine, isoamarantine, betanin, and isobetanin; sitosterol, stigmasterol, and spinasterol; rutin, vitexin, kaempferol, apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, and orientin. However, precise dosage and clinical information are limited. Flu-like symptoms. Studies have shown that the plant has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. • Other uses: The plant is also used as an ornamental. Main traditional medicinal uses: Anti-inflammatory. This is one of the plants best-known uses. Traditionally, tea and leaf extracts are used to help with: Tonsillitis
Pharyngitis Throat inflammations Skin inflammations Muscle and joint pain Experimental studies indicate anti-inflammatory activity related to phenolic compounds and flavonoids present in the plant.

Antimicrobial. The plant has gained the popular names "penicillin" and "terramycin" because it is popularly used against infections. Research has identified antimicrobial activity in extracts of the species, although it does not replace antibiotics prescribed by healthcare professionals. Healing. Macerated leaves are traditionally applied to: Small cuts, abrasions, superficial wounds, insect bites. Its popular use is associated with reducing local inflammation and promoting healing. Analgesic. In Brazilian folk medicine, it is used to help relieve: Sore throat, headache, muscle aches, inflammatory discomfort.
Some experimental studies have observed relevant analgesic activity. Respiratory health. The tea made from the leaves is traditionally used for: Flu, colds, cough, mild bronchitis.