The small intestinal mucosa acts as a rutin reservoir to extend flavonoid anti-inflammatory activity in experimental ileitis and colitis

•Rutin but not quercetin has anti-inflammatory activity in experimental colitis.•Rutin is active in both ileal and colonic inflammation•Rutin advantage is protracted exposure of the inflamed segment to the flavonoid.•Rutin is a candidate functional food in the management of idiopathic inflammation of the intestine.