In English is known by the common names royal purple brunfelsia, kiss-me-quick,[1] and yesterday-today-and-tomorrow.

[2] In its native range it is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, rheumatism, syphilis, and arthritis.

It is sometimes used as one of the active plant additives contributing to the hallucinogenic effects of the South American drink ayahuasca.

In laboratory tests, extracts of the plant were active against the protozoa that cause leishmaniasis, especially Leishmania major.

[4] Brunfelsia grandiflora is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant, such as for landscape design.