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Paso del Norte Health Foundation PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of herbal supplements among surgical patients in a predominantly Hispanic population. METHODS: Prospective randomized evaluation of patients aged 18 years or older scheduled for surgery. Prior to surgery, a 15 to 30 min semi-structured interview was conducted focusing on the use of herbal products that have associated with adverse events. Two days after surgery, the interviewer conducted a chart review recording any complications that the patient experienced during or after surgery. RESULTS: Seventy percent of our sample (N=117) admitted to using herbal products. About 58 % of patients rated the products as “excellent ” in treating their conditions and 92 % of them did not inform their physician of their use. Among the herbal products that were used, 18 % of the products are known to cause adverse reactions, 12 % are associated with causing drug interactions, and 10 % are known to negatively interact with specific disease states. Nine patients who reported using herbs had complications during and two days post surgery. CONCLUSION: With the growing use of herbal products and because most user do not inform their physician, there is increasing concern related possible herbal related adverse events during surgery. The current study documented at least 141 instances that may lead to herbal related adverse events. Eleven percent of herbal users had documented complications during surgery. A thorough examination of a patients medication history including use of herbal products should consistently be performed in order to minimize complications during and after surgery