The roots are used to enhance narcosis.
The leaves are used as a stimulant.
R. prinoides leaves and wood are used to flavor alcoholic beverages in East Africa.
Quality `tej' (the name of an Ethiopian drink) is made using equal amounts of `chat' (Catha edulis) and `hop' (Rhamnus prinoides). The quality of the tej is said to deteriorate after 8 days, after which time, the tej becomes more sour.
The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina are sometimes used in the preparation of the local drink, tela in place of gesho (Rhamnus prinoides), and cooked leaves are edible.