Metabolome Analysis and Functional Activities of Euphorbia royleana Boiss. Indicating Potential Health Benefits

Euphorbia royleana (Euphorbiaceae) is an important succulent species and commonly known as Royle's spurge. It is used to treat inflammation, paralysis, and brain-related problems. The literature revealed that E. royleana was not well explored for phytochemical diversity and health benefits. Therefore, the current study was focused on investigating solvent-dependent chemical diversity and bioactive properties across stems, leaves, and reproductive tissue (flowers and seeds). Ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water extracts were prepared, in which the water extract of leaves showed the highest extraction efficiency (16.97%). Total phenolic content was found higher in 50% ethanol extract (112.65 ± 3.27 mg GAE/g), while flavonoid content was found higher in ethanol extract (217.31 ± 13.55 mg RE/g) of reproductive parts. Further, UPLC-PDA-based targeted polyphenol profiling showed gallic acid (23.658 ± mg/g) as the most abundant polyphenol among different parts. UHPLC-QTOF-IMS-based non-targeted metabolite profiling revealed 74 metabolites (terpenoids, flavonoid glycosides, and phenylpropanoids). Multivariate statistical analysis of identified metabolites further suggested clear organ- and solvent-specific variations. Moreover, antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities were performed, and the highest activity was found in the ethanol extract of reproductive tissues. The current study provides new insights into the chemical diversity of E. royleana, highlighting its ecological significance and chemotaxonomic value within Euphorbiaceae.