Insights into Euphorbia diversity: Probing the contrasts between Euphorbia fischeriana Steud and Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata

• First comparative study of E. fischeriana and E. ebracteolate by plant metabolomics. • 29 characteristic metabolites were identified by UHPLC-QE-MS analysis. • 8 constituents were identified as potential markers for discriminating two species. • Twelve representative compounds were isolated from two species. • Two plants showed differences in antioxidant, antibacterial and antitumor activities.