Benzocoumarins from the rhizomes of Juncus acutus

Investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of Juncus acutus rhizomes revealed seven benzocoumarins, probably derived from oxidation of phenanthrenes already isolated from the plant. The structures were determined by means of spectroscopic methods. The anti-algal activity of the isolated compounds tested on the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata are reported here.