Juncus is the largest genus of Juncaceae family,with about 240 species around the world.There are 77 species,1 variety and 10 deformations grown in China.Up to now,117 components have been identified as phenanthrenes and dihydrophenanthrenes,which are the characteristic constituents of this genus,and 48 ones have been identified as triterpenoids,glycerides,coumarins,flavonoids from this genus.The reported constituents displayed diverse bioactivities,including antiproliferative,antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anxiolytic,sedative,spasmolytic,anticholinesterase and antialgal effects.This review summarized the research progress on the chemical components and pharmacological effects of the genus of Juncus so far.