Cadmium and lead are environmental toxicants with well-documented adverse effects on multiple organ systems, mediated primarily through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Exposure to these metals remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where industrial activities, mining and environmental pollution are prevalent. There is growing interest in plant-based and nutraceutical strategies that may mitigate heavy metal-induced toxicity through antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), an underutilised African legume, is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, peptides and sulphur-containing amino acids, suggesting potential biological relevance in the context of heavy metal toxicity. However, its effects have not been systematically evaluated. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing evidence on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Bambara groundnut and to integrate this with experimental studies examining plant-based protection against cadmium and lead toxicity. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online, were searched in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Experimental studies investigating botanical interventions, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic pathways and tissue histopathology in cadmium or lead exposure models were included. A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Although no study directly evaluated Bambara groundnut in cadmium or lead toxicity models, phytochemical analyses demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Bambara extracts. Experimental studies using other plant-derived compounds consistently showed attenuation of cadmium- and lead-induced toxicity through restoration of antioxidant enzymes, reduction of lipid peroxidation, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of apoptotic signalling and preservation of organ architecture. These mechanisms closely overlap with the documented bioactivity of Bambara groundnut constituents. In conclusion, this review highlights a clear absence of direct experimental evidence on the effects of Bambara groundnut in cadmium and lead toxicity, while demonstrating strong mechanistic plausibility based on phytochemical composition and related plant-based toxicological studies. The findings establish a robust conceptual foundation and justify further experimental investigation of Bambara groundnut as a potential nutraceutical intervention for heavy metal toxicity.