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The present study was planned to delineate the role of antioxidants and different functional groups ofRicinus communisandBrassica junceain the tolerance mechanisms toward cadmium (Cd) for phytoremediation. Application of Cd caused a reduction in dry biomass of 53.84% and 26.58% in root and 45.33% and 33.84% in shoots ofB. junceaandR. communis, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase, and metabolites (proline) increased in both the species due to Cd exposure. The metal caused substantial changes in the functional groups present in the roots and leaves of the plants. A number of new peaks appeared in the Cd-treated plants, which indicate the production of the compounds responsible for the metal tolerance of these plants.R. communishas been found to possess a good antioxidant defense system against Cd stress and may be used for the phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils in place of edible crops, which enhance the risk of contaminating the food chain. It has been observed thatR. communisaccumulated 213.39 and 335.68 mg Cd in roots and shoots, respectively, whereasB. junceaaccumulated 28.19 and 310.15 mg Cd in the roots and shoots, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]