Inhibition profile of Leishmania mexicana arginase reveals differences with human arginase I

► We demonstrate that Leishmania mexicana arginase is amenable to inhibition. ► Kinetic parameters between the human and L. mexicana arginases were compared. ► Selective and dual inhibitors of human and L. mexicana arginases were uncovered. ► Modes and extents of inhibition by select inhibitors were determined. ► pH optimum and divalent cation dependence of L. mexicana arginase were determined.