Coumestans 2a-i, bearing different patterns of substitution in A- and D-rings, were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of kidney Na+, K+ -ATPase and ligands for the central benzodiazepine (BZP) receptor. The presence of a hydroxyl group in position 2 favours the effect on Na+, K+ -ATPase but decreases the affinity for the BZP receptor, allowing the design of more selective molecules than the natural wedelolactone. On the other hand, the presence of a catechol in ring D is important for the effect on both molecular targets.